Lionel Messi is starting for Argentina on July 3 as the reigning world champions take on Cabo Verde in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
Messi, who led Argentina through the group stage, will lead his team as they start their knockout campaign. Argentina is no stranger to the Round of 16, and will not be taking any risks with a place in the tournament on the balance.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is likely to be in the front line, alongside Julián Álvarez.
Is Lionel Messi Playing Today?
Yes. Lionel Messi is likely to be in the Argentina squad against Cabo Verde.
The veteran forward is still Argentina's creative leader and has proven his ability to make a difference in games with moments of brilliance throughout the tournament.
Scaloni has been careful with Messi's minutes in the World Cup, but now that the knockout stage has begun, the captain will lead from the front from the first whistle.
(Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Messi will be supported by Julián Álvarez in attack, while Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul will control midfield.
Argentina Lineup vs. Cabo Verde
Argentina will play a 4-3-3 lineup:
- Goalkeeper-E. Martínez
- Defenders- Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Medina
- Midfielders- De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández
- Attackers: Almada, Messi, Álvarez
Cabo Verde Lineup vs. Argentina
Cabo Verde to play a 4-3-3 lineup:
- Goalkeeper- Vozinha
- Defenders- Moreira, Pico, Diney Cabral
- Midfielders: D Duarte, L, Duarte, Lenini
- Attackers- J Cabral, Da Costa, Mendes
Cabo Verde will be counting on veteran players such as Ryan Mendes to make one of the biggest upsets in the tournament.
Argentina are the heavy favourites, but Scaloni has spoken about the dangers of complacency.
Cabo Verde has already impressed with their progress to the knockout stage and will aim to keep the South Americans on their toes with their disciplined defence and fast counterattacks.
But for Argentina, it all starts with Messi, the World Cup's leading goal scorer. The defending champions will have every reason to believe they will be able to take another step towards defending their World Cup title if the captain does his job as usual.
