Here is the latest team news and confirmed lineups for Argentina vs Cape Verde in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. La Albiceleste won all three of their Group J matches to set up this knockout match in Miami Stadium, the home of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. Messi is expected to be crucial again, attempting to break the tie with Kylian Mbappe after the Frenchman joined him at the top of the scoring charts. Having witnessed traditional powerhouses Germany and the Netherlands suffer defeat, manager Lionel Scaloni will be keen to see a professional performance against Cape Verde, currently ranked 64th in the FIFA World Rankings.
Cape Verde has been the surprise of the tournament so far. Having started their campaign with a draw against European champions Spain, the Blue Sharks remain unbeaten following draws against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. An unbeaten run to the quarter-finals at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations indicates Cape Verde’s suitability to tournament football, and highlights the quality of a team who have widely impressed in their debut World Cup.
Below are the confirmed lineups for Argentina vs Cape Verde.
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Argentina vs Cape Verde Confirmed Lineup
Argentina Team News
Cristian Romero suffered an injury in the 2–0 win over Austria and was absent for the 3–1 win over Jordan. However, the centre-back is set to return, replacing Nicolas Otamendi.
Having already confirmed qualification to the knockout stages, Scaloni was able to rest a number of key players against Jordan.
Those players, including Messi, who played just 30 minutes, are expected to return to the starting lineup.
Scaloni continues to face a selection dilemma in forward areas, but Lautaro Martinez’s performance in the final group game is likely to see him retain his starting berth over Julian Alvarez.
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Cape Verde Team News
Cape Verde have faced significantly more fitness concerns than their opponents.
Telmo Arcanjo, Jamiro Monteiro and Kevin Lenini were concerns at times in the group stage.
Monteiro featured in the 0–0 draw against Saudi Arabia, while Lenini is fit again.
However, Arcanjo remains a concern and will require further assessment.
Argentina Confirmed Lineup and Substitutes
Stay tuned as this will be discussed when the starting eleven is announced.
Cape Verde Confirmed Lineup and Substitutes
Be sure to check back as this will be updated when the news is confirmed
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IMAGO / NurPhoto
