Scaloni Keeps Everyone Guessing — Even About Messi — Ahead of Cape Verde Clash
With a fully fit squad and a perfect group-stage record, Argentina face Cape Verde — but Scaloni won't even confirm Messi in the starting XI.
A fully fit squad, a 100% record, and the weight of favouritism. Argentina have every reason to walk onto the pitch relaxed against Cape Verde — kick-off at 7 p.m. Brasília time in Miami, in the World Cup Round of 32. But Lionel Scaloni? Scaloni gives nothing away.
The world-champion manager stays true to his secretive style, refusing to confirm even Lionel Messi's place in the starting lineup. It's Scaloni being Scaloni — and the Argentines have long since learned that complaining gets you nowhere.
The biggest debate is up front. Lautaro Martínez started all three group-stage matches and scored his first goal of the tournament against Jordan. But Julián Álvarez is pushing hard: he has racked up 143 minutes on the pitch and wants a bigger role. Who lines up alongside Messi and Almada?
In defence, Cristian Romero appears to have recovered from his right-knee injury and is expected to return alongside Lisandro Martínez. If he isn't fully fit, Otamendi steps in. At left-back, Tagliafico is back from injury, but Facundo Medina impressed as his replacement — and the spot is still up for grabs.
The Golmetria model gives Argentina a 19% chance of lifting the trophy — the second highest in the competition. France, a potential opponent in the later rounds, sits at 12%. The gap is real, but the road is still long.
Against Cape Verde, Argentina are undisputed favourites. Scaloni's mystery, however, is part of the game — and whoever he picks today may reveal a great deal about what he has in mind for the knockout rounds. Argentina's quest for a sixth world title is being built right now, one selection at a time.