Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni faces several selection dilemmas ahead of the World Cup final against Spain on Sunday, as the holders aim to become only the third nation to successfully defend the title. The match will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with kick-off at 8pm BST.
No new injury concerns after England semi-final
Argentina reported no fresh injury worries following their dramatic semi-final victory over England, where they came from behind to win. However, the impact of substitutes in that comeback has given Scaloni much to consider. Emiliano Martinez remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, while the centre-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez is expected to continue despite criticism from pundits like Gary Neville.
Potential changes in defence and midfield
Right-back Gonzalo Montiel impressed after coming off the bench against England and could replace Nahuel Molina in the starting XI. On the left, Nicolas Tagliafico has been preferred to Facundo Medina in recent matches. In midfield, Leandro Paredes is set to anchor the engine room, with Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister ahead of him. Rodrigo De Paul was substituted against England but may return to the starting lineup, with Giuliano Simeone dropping to the bench.
Attack: Messi starts, Alvarez and Gonzalez push for places
Lionel Messi will start, having delivered a sublime performance in the semi-final. Nicolas Gonzalez feels he deserves a start after his role in the late comeback, while Julian Alvarez faces competition from Lautaro Martinez, who scored another late goal in midweek. Scaloni must decide whether to stick with Alvarez or bring in Gonzalez or Martinez.
Predicted Argentina XI (4-1-3-2): E Martinez; Montiel, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Alvarez, Messi.
The match will be broadcast live on BBC and ITV in the UK.
