Defending champions Argentina will field Lautaro Martínez alongside Lionel Messi in attack for their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 tie against debutants Cape Verde. The match kicks off at the Inter Miami stadium on Thursday at 23:00 UK time (midnight CEST Friday), with Scaloni opting for the Inter captain over Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez.
According to TyC Sports, the Argentina coach favours Martínez’s physical presence and proven international record for this knockout opener. The Inter striker has started all three matches in the tournament so far and has netted 38 goals in 80 senior appearances for his country. Como midfielder Nico Paz drops to the bench after earning a start during squad rotation in the final group game against Jordan.
Argentina enter the knockout phase with a perfect record, having defeated Algeria, Austria and Jordan to top their group. Cape Verde, competing in their first World Cup, progressed after recording three draws in the group stage. Victory for the holders would secure a place in the last 16 against either Australia or Egypt.
Scaloni has restored his first-choice lineup following the Jordan fixture. Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios returns to the substitutes’ bench after starting that match as a fullback. Emiliano Martínez retains his place in goal behind a defence of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Leonardo Medina. Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández form the midfield, with Thiago Almada providing support from a wider position.
Confirmed Starting XIs
Argentina: E Martínez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández; Almada; Messi (c), Lautaro Martínez.
Cape Verde: Vozinha; Lopes Cabral, Borges, Lopes, Moreira; Lenini; J Cabral, D Duarte, L Duarte, Mendes (c); Da Costa.
The Blue Sharks will rely on 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who kept a clean sheet against Spain on the opening matchday. Stopping Messi on his home club ground, where he represents Inter Miami, will require a similar heroic performance to cause what would rank among the greatest upsets in the competition’s history.