Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has completely flexed his squad depth, making nine sweeping changes to the side that wrapped up the group stage against Jordan. The headline news, however, is exactly what the Miami crowd came to see—captain Lionel Messi reclaiming his throne in the starting eleven after being rested. He is flanked by Lautaro Martínez and Thiago Almada in a lethal-looking frontline.
On the other side of the trenches, Cape Verde boss Bubista isn’t sitting back defensively either. He has made five bold changes to the setup that earned a historic draw against Saudi Arabia. Dynamic options like Steven Moreira, Sidny Cabral, Laros Duarte, Nuno da Costa, and Jovane Cabral all march into the XI as the ultimate underdogs aim to pull off a historic heist.
Here is how both teams line up for this epic knockout fixture:
Argentina Starting XI (4-1-2-3):
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Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
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Defenders: Facundo Medina, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina
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Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul
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Forwards: Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martínez, Lionel Messi (C)
Cape Verde Starting XI (4-1-4-1):
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Goalkeeper: Vozinha
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Defenders: Sidny Cabral, Diney Borges, Roberto Lopes, Steven Moreira
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Defensive Midfielder: Kevin Pina
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Midfielders: Ryan Mendes, Deroy Duarte, Laros Duarte, Jovane Cabral
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Forward: Nuno da Costa
