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Sampaoli tests his XI against Spain: Messi set to start
The Argentine has dropped some clues as to what his starting XI will be against Spain on Tuesday night and Lionel Messi looks set to return.
Jorge Sampaoli dropped some clues of his possible starting XI against Spain on Tuesday night. The main change from the game against Italy on Friday will be the presence of Lionel Messi. The attacker missed the previous game with muscle fatigue and trained on Sunday as his recovery steps up.
The return of their captain along with some other changes for Spain seem likely. Caballero, after his excellent performance against Italy, could be replaced by Romero to give the goalkeeper minutes. Otamendi and Marcos Rojo should start as the two centre-halves with Acuña and Mercado as the two full-backs.
Just like he wanted, Javier Mascherano will play at the base of midfield accompanied by Gio Lo Celso and Ever Banega. With Messi returning to play his roving role between attack and midfield, Pavón will occupy the left and Pipa Higuain will start up front.
If this is confirmed as the line-up, only Otamendi, Lo Celso and Higuain will return as starters after the victory over Italy in Manchester.
