Here is the latest Argentina team news as they face Jordan in their final group match on Sunday morning at 3:00am. Lionel Scaloni’s side may have already clinched top position in Group J, but the manager will be keen to continue their positive momentum. 3–0 and 2–0 victories over Algeria and Austria were fueled by Lionel Messi, who scored all five goals. As a result, much of the attention will be focused on the 39-year-old’s involvement, and whether he can further extend his FIFA World Cup scoring record. With France’s Kylian Mbappe close behind in both the all-time charts and the current tournament’s Golden Boot, Messi has a clear motivation to bolster his numbers.
Here is the latest Argentina team news for their final Group J clash.
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Argentina vs Jordan: Will Messi Feature?
Argentina Team News
Cristian Romero picked up a knock in the Austria match and is likely to miss the match.
Aside from Romero, Scaloni is expected to be able to pick from a fully fit squad. However, in an attempt to maintain that clean injury record and avoid fatigue, the manager is set to rotate heavily.
With top spot secured and a Round of 32 fixture scheduled for Friday night, key figures such as Emiliano Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Messi himself could be rested.
Argentina Recent Tactics and Starters
Despite the expected changes, Scaloni is likely to continue the 4-3-3 formation from the previous two matches. A solid back four has often been supported by the hardworking trio of midfielders in front of them. Yet against Jordan, currently ranked 72nd in the FIFA World Rankings, more creative profiles could be afforded in the middle. Giovani Lo Celso and Valentin Barco may make their tournament debuts.
In attack, the creative burden has fallen heavily on Lionel Messi. Thiago Almada has offered some threat on the left, while Lautaro Martinez has displayed his signature workrate despite his lack of goals thus far. Nico Gonzalez and Julian Alvarez have arguably shown more creativity in their substitute appearances, and are likely to be given the opportunity to play an increased role. The bigger question, however, is whether Messi will be involved. If the Inter Miami superstar does not start, Nico Paz or Giovani Simeone will likely take his place.
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Argentina Predicted Lineup
GK – Musso
RB – Molina
CB – Otamendi
CB – Senesi
LB – Tagliafico
CM – Lo Celso
CM – Paredes
CM – Barco
RM – Paz
LM – Gonzalez
ST – Alvarez
Featured Image Credit:
Reuters/Jay Biggerstaff
