Argentina starting lineup vs Cape Verde: Lionel Scaloni’s XI for the round of 32 game
Lionel Messi returns after rest, with Cristian Romero also back in the Argentina team for the World Cup clash.
Argentina are firm favorites to dispatch 2026 World Cup surprise package Cape Verde in Friday’s round of 32 matchup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Lionel Messi is back in the starting lineup after being rested for La Albiceleste’s final group game against Jordan, in which he scored Argentina’s third goal after coming off the bench.
Will Messi play today for Argentina against Cape Verde in the World Cup?
With Argentina already having secured top spot in Group J, Messi was one of several first-team regulars who dropped out of the starting XI against Jordan.
Confirmed Argentina XI vs Cape Verde
Argentina return to a full-strength lineup to take on Cape Verde in the World Cup round of 32.
Argentina team news: Dibu Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Almada; Messi, Lautaro Martinez
Romero boost for Argentina defense
Outside of the fact there are three players named Martinez, the most notable detail is the inclusion of center back Cristian Romero, who was forced off in Argentina’s second group game against Austria due to knee discomfort.
The Tottenham Hotspur defender did not feature in the win over Jordan but has returned to training and now appears set to reclaim his place in the starting XI.
Thiago Almada, who started the first two group-stage games, is also expected to return despite competition from Giovanni Lo Celso. Lautaro Martinez is likely to line up alongside Messi in attack once again.
Perfect group stage momentum
Argentina were one of only three teams, alongside Mexico and France, to win all three group-stage games. The South American side have not failed to reach the round of 16 since 2002, when they were eliminated in the group stage.
Argentina vs Cape Verde: kickoff time and how to watch in the U.S.
The round of 32 matchup kicks off Friday, July 3, at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT. Viewers in the United States can watch all the action on FOX Network, FOX One, Telemundo, and Telemundo Deportes En Vivo.
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