Argentina and Cape Verde lineups confirmed: Messi starts

Ahead of the Argentina-Cape Verde match to be played in the World Cup Round of 32, the starting XIs of both teams have been officially confirmed. The contest, played in knockout format with the loser exiting the tournament, carries great importance for both teams. With the announced lineups, all eyes turned to the pitch.

On the Argentina side, Lionel Scaloni takes the field with a strong squad. With Emiliano Martínez in goal, Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Medina line up in defense. In midfield, Almada, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister and Lautaro Martínez take their places, while the team's captain Lionel Messi lines up further forward alongside De Paul. Messi starting in the XI was one of the headlines ahead of the match.

For Cape Verde, manager Leitão Brito takes the field with a balanced formation. With Vozinha in goal, Moreira, Lopes, Borges and Lopes Cabral line up in defense. In midfield, ahead of Lenini, Mendes, Duarte L., Duarte D. and Cabral take their places, while up front Da Costa stands out. Mendes takes on the captaincy of the team.

Argentina have an absentee ahead of the match; Balerdi could not make the squad due to a calf injury. The result of this contest between Argentina, at the top of the FIFA ranking, and Cape Verde, chasing a surprise in the tournament, will directly affect both nations' futures at the World Cup. The match, which will in particular feature Lionel Messi, stands out as one of the eagerly awaited games of the tournament.

Image: BBC

🇦🇷 Argentina (Scaloni) — 4-4-2: Emiliano Martínez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Medina; Almada, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, Lautaro Martínez; Messi (C), De Paul.
🇨🇻 Cape Verde (Leitão Brito) — 4-1-4-1: Vozinha; Moreira, Lopes, Borges, Lopes Cabral; Lenini; Mendes (C), Duarte L., Duarte D., Cabral; Da Costa.
Out: 🇦🇷 Balerdi (calf).