Argentina are considering two changes to their starting lineup for the World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday evening in Atlanta, as concerns grow over Lionel Messi's fitness. The 39-year-old talisman missed Argentina's first training session after the quarter-final win over Switzerland, having taken a heavy blow to his right eye from a Granit Xhaka challenge.
Messi injury concern
Messi played through the pain in the 3-1 extra-time victory in Kansas City, but his absence from the subsequent training session has raised doubts. According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, head coach Lionel Scaloni kept his cards close to his chest during the final closed training session in Kansas City before the squad flew to Atlanta on Monday evening. Scaloni is reportedly only prepared to decide his lineup after assessing the team's condition in Atlanta.
If Messi is unable to start, Scaloni could deploy Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez together for the first time in the tournament. Alvarez scored a stunning curler in the 112th minute against Switzerland, while Martinez sealed the win in stoppage time. Both forwards have rotated from the bench throughout the World Cup, but a potential Messi burnout could force Scaloni's hand.
Midfield and defensive tweaks
Scaloni has fielded the same starting XI for four consecutive matches, but signs of fatigue have emerged after gruelling encounters with Cabo Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland. The midfield is the area where Scaloni is least convinced, according to TyC Sports. One of Rodrigo De Paul or Alexis Mac Allister—who scored the opening goal against Switzerland—could be replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez. However, Mac Allister's Premier League experience against England teammates may give him the edge.
At the back, right-back Nahuel Molina's place is under threat after being substituted in the 85th minute against Switzerland. Gonzalo Montiel replaced him and could earn a start. Tottenham defender Cristian Romero and Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes also had to be replaced in extra-time against Switzerland, but both are expected to recover in time.
Scaloni's message
Speaking about the historic context of facing England in a World Cup knockout tie, Scaloni said: “The message is this is a football game. That is what I can say. We will be playing against a very tough opponent. They have an excellent coach, it is a football game and that is all.” He added: “What this team has achieved is historic, even though we could have played better. It’s historic to be in a semi-final again. It’s a privileged space in football, not an easy feat. We’re happy and excited now, and we will try to make it to the end with every last drop of sweat.”
