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After the Copa America, Messi is playing for the first time in Argentina's jersey. Photo: AFA |
Argentina is at the top of the South American qualifiers. First of all, Lionel Scaloni's team is very close to securing the 2026 World Cup ticket. The reigning world champions can go one step closer to securing a ticket to the World Cup to be held in USA-Canada-Mexico early tomorrow morning. Their opponents in this qualifying match are Paraguay.
World champions Argentina will take on hosts Paraguay at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco. Regular captain Lionel Messi is returning to the Argentina team with this match. Messi will play for Argentina for the first time after leaving the field after suffering an ankle injury in the Copa America final last July.
Apart from Messi, this is the return match for Emiliano Martinez and Giovanni Lo Celso. Amy Martinez missed October's qualifier after receiving a ban for controversial conduct in the Copa America final. And Lo Celso was out of the team due to injury. However, for this match Argentina is not getting Lisandro Martinez, Herman Pezzala and Nicolas Gonzalez. And the surprise in this episode is the inclusion of Enzo Barenacchia.
Emi Martinez is sure to stand under the goal bar against Paraguay. As Lisandro Martinez was knocked out, coach Scaloni is a bit worried about arranging the defense in this match. Cristian Romero is sure to play against Paraguay despite an injury in the last game in the Premier League. Nicolas Otamendi is likely to be paired with Tottenham's centre-back. In addition, Facundo Medina, who has been called up to replace Lisandro Martinez, can also be seen in the XI.
Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico are more likely to play as fullbacks.
Scaloni can play Argentina in 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation in this match. Alexis McAllister, Rodrigo de Paul and Enzo Fernandez are assured of a place in midfield. Likewise, Messi's place in the attack is also assured.
However, Scaloni is still confused about how to organize the attack. Lautaro Martinez and Julián Alvarez are fighting for a place. Again both can be seen together in the XI. If the team is arranged in 4-3-3 formation, both can be in the XI. But if the team is arranged in 4-4-2 formation, either of these two will be Messi's partner. Also, anyone between Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes and Thiago Almada could join the midfield.
In the pre-match press conference, Argentina's coach Scaloni said that this team will be the same as the team that played against Bolivia in the last match. He said, 'I have almost arranged the team, this is almost the team for the match against Bolivia. I haven't confirmed it to them yet, I have some doubts.'
Argentina Probable XI: Amy Martinez; Nicolas Tagliafico, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina; Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mc-Allister, Rodrigo De Paul; Lautaro Martinez/Julian Alvarez/Lo Celso/Thiago Almada/Leandro Paredes and Lionel Messi.
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