Lionel Messi and Argentina are heavy favourites to reach the World Cup 2026 last 16 as they face debutants Cape Verde on Friday. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has reverted to his preferred starting lineup after rotating for the previous match against Jordan.
Scaloni Returns to Strongest XI
Argentina had already secured top spot in Group J with comfortable wins over Algeria and Austria, allowing Scaloni to rest key players for the 3-1 victory over Jordan. However, for the last-32 clash, the World Cup holders are back to full strength.
Emiliano Martinez continues in goal, with Nahuel Molina returning at right-back. Facundo Medina is restored on the left, while Premier League duo Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez start at centre-back. Romero had been a concern after suffering a knee injury against Austria and was not considered for the Jordan match, but he has been pictured back in training and returns here.
Midfield and Attack Reunited
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez join forces once more, with Rodrigo De Paul and Thiago Almada retaining their places out wide. Scaloni also has Nico Gonzalez and Giuliano Simeone as options if he wants to shake things up.
Up front, it is a no-brainer: Lionel Messi starts. Lautaro Martinez partners him, having been preferred to Julian Alvarez this tournament and scoring against Jordan. Messi, already the leading goalscorer in World Cup finals history, will look to further boost his Golden Boot chances.
Confirmed Argentina XI
Argentina XI: E. Martinez; Lisandro Martinez, Romero, Medina, Molina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, Almada; Lautaro Martinez.
Subs: Musso, Rulli, Senesi, Tagliafico, Montiel, Otamendi, Paredes, Barco, Lo Celso, Palacios, Gonzalez, Alvarez, Simeone, Paz, Lopez.
Match Details
Time and date: 11pm BST on Friday July 3, 2026. Venue: Miami Stadium. How to watch: ITV.
