Captain Lionel Messi returns to the starting lineup for Argentina in their World Cup last-32 clash against tournament debutants Cape Verde on Friday.
Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32 – Argentina v Cape Verde – Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S. – July 3, 2026
Argentina’s Lionel Messi during the warm up before the match
It is a landmark game for Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who is marking his 100th game in charge of the national team since taking over in 2018.
Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32 – Argentina v Cape Verde – Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S. – July 3, 2026
Argentina’s Julian Alvarez arrives at the stadium before the match
Messi, the World Cup’s top scorer of all time, becomes the first player ever to make 30 appearances at the tournament.
Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32 – Argentina v Cape Verde – Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S. – July 3, 2026
A fan holds an Argentina Labubu doll inside the stadium before the match
Lautaro Martinez joins Messi in attack while Julian Alvarez is benched.
Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32 – Argentina v Cape Verde – Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S. – July 3, 2026
Cape Verde’s Ryan Mendes with teammates during the warm up before the match
Cape Verde midfielder Telmo Arcanjo, who was doubtful for the game because of a leg injury, starts on the bench.
Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32 – Argentina v Cape Verde – Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S. – July 3, 2026
Cape Verde’s Vozinha during the warm up before the match
His teammate Sidny Lopes Cabral is available again and the left back starts after serving a one-match suspension against Saudi Arabia for picking up yellow cards against Spain and Uruguay.
Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32 – Argentina v Cape Verde – Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S. – July 3, 2026
Cape Verde fans inside the stadium before the match
Argentina
Emiliano Martinez, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Lionel Messi (captain), Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martinez.
Cape Verde
Vozinha, Diney Borges, Pico Lopes, Sidny Lopes Cabral, Steven Moreira, Kevin Pina, Jovane Cabral, Deroy Duarte, Laros Duarte, Ryan Mendes (captain), Nuno da Costa.
