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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni coaches the world champions, so it's no wonder he says his toughest task as coach is deciding which great player he has to leave out of his starting lineup.
As Scaloni's men begin their title defense Tuesday against Algeria, he has plenty of decisions to make.
The biggest question is whether or not Argentina's biggest star will start, as Lionel Messi continues to recover from discomfort in his hamstring. But Scaloni also has decisions in goal, in the back line and up top.
Let's take a look at USA TODAY Sports' projected line for the Albiceleste against Algeria:
Everything indicates that Messi will be in the starting XI in this match. While Scaloni is taking a laid-back approach to this game, he'll also want to start well, ideally going into the third group game against Jordan with things all sewn up.
Messi came into the final pre-tournament friendly against Iceland in the 70th minute, scoring from the penalty spot as he saw 20 minutes of action. Resting Messi may be the safe play, but he always has pushed himself to play as many minutes as possible, especially for Argentina. We think he'll be on the field from the opening whistle.
Joining the No. 10 in attack will likely be Lautaro Martinez and Thiago Almada, as Atlético Madrid forward Julian Alvarez continues to work back from an ankle issue.
At the back, things depend on the health of center back Cristian "Cuti" Romero. If the Tottenham Hotspur man starts, he'll do so at center back and push Lisandro Martinez out to left back. Romero played a full half against Iceland and seems ready to go the full 90, so we're projecting that he starts with Nicolas Otamendi in the middle.
The other question is at right back, where Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are fighting for the starting role. We're giving Molina the nod.
The midfield is likely to be less of a surprise. Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister started the 2022 World Cup final, and the trio have stayed together throughout this cycle as well. Look for them to start against Algeria as Scaloni aims for all three points in the opening game — something that escaped the team in its successful 2022 run.
Dibu Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Thiago Almada
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Argentina starting XI vs. Algeria: Our projected World Cup lineup
Continue reading...
As Scaloni's men begin their title defense Tuesday against Algeria, he has plenty of decisions to make.
The biggest question is whether or not Argentina's biggest star will start, as Lionel Messi continues to recover from discomfort in his hamstring. But Scaloni also has decisions in goal, in the back line and up top.
Let's take a look at USA TODAY Sports' projected line for the Albiceleste against Algeria:
Will Lionel Messi start for Argentina?
Everything indicates that Messi will be in the starting XI in this match. While Scaloni is taking a laid-back approach to this game, he'll also want to start well, ideally going into the third group game against Jordan with things all sewn up.
Messi came into the final pre-tournament friendly against Iceland in the 70th minute, scoring from the penalty spot as he saw 20 minutes of action. Resting Messi may be the safe play, but he always has pushed himself to play as many minutes as possible, especially for Argentina. We think he'll be on the field from the opening whistle.
Joining the No. 10 in attack will likely be Lautaro Martinez and Thiago Almada, as Atlético Madrid forward Julian Alvarez continues to work back from an ankle issue.
Who will start in defense for Argentina against Algeria?
At the back, things depend on the health of center back Cristian "Cuti" Romero. If the Tottenham Hotspur man starts, he'll do so at center back and push Lisandro Martinez out to left back. Romero played a full half against Iceland and seems ready to go the full 90, so we're projecting that he starts with Nicolas Otamendi in the middle.
The other question is at right back, where Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are fighting for the starting role. We're giving Molina the nod.
The midfield is likely to be less of a surprise. Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister started the 2022 World Cup final, and the trio have stayed together throughout this cycle as well. Look for them to start against Algeria as Scaloni aims for all three points in the opening game — something that escaped the team in its successful 2022 run.
Argentina projected lineup vs Algeria
Dibu Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Thiago Almada
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Argentina starting XI vs. Algeria: Our projected World Cup lineup
Continue reading...
