​Argentina are set to keep faith with captain Lautaro Martinez as they aim to spearhead the attack alongside Lionel Messi in tonight’s World Cup clash against Cape Verde. The Round of 32 encounter in Miami kicks off at 23:00 UK time (00:00 CEST), with the winner advancing to a Round of 16 showdown against either Australia or Egypt.
Martinez is anticipated to partner Messi once more, continuing his role after converting a penalty in the 3-1 victory over Jordan and starting in every match so far. There had been speculation that Martinez might be replaced by Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, but TyC Sports reports that coach Lionel Scaloni will stick with the Inter captain. Martinez’s Argentina record stands at 38 goals in 80 senior appearances, along with 12 assists.
Last season Martinez was Serie A’s top scorer with 17 goals in 30 games, helping propel Inter to the Scudetto. Nico Paz drops to the bench after a brief chance in the final group game as part of squad rotations.
Argentina are the defending World Cup champions and among the favorites to lift the trophy in the USA, Canada and Mexico, having already swept aside Algeria, Austria and Jordan. The probable lineup is: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Gonzalo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández; Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez.