​KANSAS CITY, MO — Argentina has not had an easy path through the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. Cape Verde pushed Argentina to extra time, and after forcing the match to 2-2 in that extra period, the defending champions finally found a decisive third goal. In the round of 16, Egypt jumped out to a 2-0 lead, only for Argentina to rally in regulation and advance, earning a quarterfinal date with Switzerland on Saturday, July 11.
So, will manager Lionel Scaloni opt for sweeping changes? It seems unlikely. Argentina’s performance against Egypt wasn’t their best, but Scaloni was impressed with much of what he saw on the field. In fact, there is already talk that he might roll out the same starting XI he used against Egypt, a rare move that would mark just the fourth time in his 102-match tenure that he repeats a lineup.
“It wouldn’t be absurd to repeat the team, although there also could be a change,” Scaloni said Friday night at his pre-match press conference. The prospect of fielding the same squad, with Leandro Paredes delivering a standout midfield performance in his first start of the tournament and generating plenty of attacking chances, is clearly something he and his staff are weighing.
Lionel Messi will keep his starting spot, a decision supported by the manager after the star forward’s one-goal, one-assist display against Egypt. The only potential adjustment expected is in the forward line, where a long-running competition for playing time has persisted between Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez since Martínez recovered from an ankle issue.
In the Egypt game, Martínez’s inclusion allowed Messi to drift more toward the right wing, a position where he appeared most effective and influential. Álvarez remained on the field as well, and Scaloni noted that the two forwards had previously shown they could work well together, having started together during the World Cup opener against Jordan when Messi was given the first hour to rest in the group stage.
Despite the favorable assessment, the coaching staff appears inclined to select only one forward for Saturday’s match. The nod appears to go to Martínez because of the space he can create, though Álvarez would not be a surprising choice if Scaloni decides to mix things up.
Projected lineup (assuming continuity with recent selections)
Goalkeeper: Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez
This setup would align with the performance against Egypt, emphasizing a balance of solidity in midfield with an emphasis on Messi’s movement and goal threat. The defense remains anchored by a strong back line, while Paredes’ play and the running routes created by the wingers support a dynamic attacking plan.
Argentina’s path to the knockout stage has been arduous, but Scaloni’s willingness to maintain continuity could be the decisive factor in advancing to the semifinals. As they prepare to face Switzerland, the question remains whether he sticks with the familiar lineup or makes a calculated tweak to unlock one more level of attacking rhythm. The squad’s cohesion and the players’ ability to execute the game plan will be the deciding factors as they seek to continue their climb through the World Cup bracket.