Argentina XI vs Saudi Arabia CONFIRMED as Leo Messi starts in final World Cup
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BREAKING NEWS: Lionel Scaloni names his first Argentina starting eleven for the World Cup as Lionel Messi STARTS, with Cristian Romero in the side
- Lionel Scaloni’s starting eleven for the World Cup in Qatar has been announced
- Argentina will face Saudi Arabia today in a Group C game they are expected to win
- Lionel Messi has been named in the XI in what will probably be his last World Cup
Argentina’s first World Cup starting squad in Qatar has been revealed with Lionel Messi from the start against Saudi Arabia.
Messi, who is likely to compete in his final World Cup, struggled through injury ahead of the tournament after missing the first part of Argentina’s open training on Friday before being forced to work alone next session.
The 35-year-old Argentinian insisted at the pre-match press conference that he has ‘no problem at all’.
Argentina entered the tournament as one of the favorites to claim the prestigious prize, after Messi claimed his first piece of international silverware last year with victory over Brazil in the Copa America final.
They qualified for Qatar without even losing a game and they are undefeated since losing to rivals Brazil at the 2019 Copa America – some 36 games.
They are expected to emerge as Group C winners without too much trouble, but they must beat Saudi Arabia, with even tougher games against Poland and Mexico ahead.
Confirmed Argentina XI: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Papu Gomez; Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Di Maria
More to follow…