
Date: November 15, 2024
Venue: Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers (CONMEBOL)
Argentina’s Predicted Starting XI:
- Emiliano Martínez (Goalkeeper)
- The Aston Villa goalkeeper continues to be the undisputed choice between the posts for Argentina, known for his shot-stopping ability and leadership in goal.
- Nahuel Molina (Right-back)
- Atletico Madrid‘s dynamic full-back brings energy and attacking flair down the right flank, capable of creating chances and providing width for the team.
- Nicolás Otamendi (Centre-back)
- The experienced Benfica defender is a key figure in Argentina’s defense, known for his leadership, aerial ability, and aggressive style of defending.
- Cristian Romero (Centre-back)
- Tottenham Hotspur‘s combative center-back pairs with Otamendi to form a solid defensive partnership, combining physicality and tactical awareness.
- Marcos Acuña (Left-back)
- The Sevilla left-back is known for his versatility and pace, providing balance on the left side of defense while contributing to offensive attacks as well.
- Leandro Paredes (Defensive Midfielder)
- Al-Ittihad‘s deep-lying playmaker is tasked with shielding the defense and dictating play from midfield, linking the defense and attack with his passing range.
- Rodrigo De Paul (Central Midfield)
- The Atletico Madrid midfielder’s work rate, passing, and ability to break up opposition attacks make him an essential part of Argentina’s midfield.
- Giovani Lo Celso (Central Midfield)
- The Villarreal midfielder adds creativity and vision to the Argentine midfield, providing link-up play and adding flair to the team’s build-up.
- Lionel Messi (Right-wing)
- As always, Messi is the focal point of Argentina’s attack. The Inter Miami superstar is the team’s captain and a constant threat to any defense, with his dribbling, vision, and finishing ability.
- Lautaro Martínez (Striker)
- The Inter Milan forward is Argentina’s main striker, bringing pace, finishing ability, and an excellent positioning sense to lead the line. He will be looking to add to his goal tally in this crucial match.
- Julián Álvarez (Left-wing)
- The Manchester City forward’s versatility and work ethic make him a key component of the attack. Álvarez is expected to provide pace, pressing, and movement, complementing Martínez and Messi in the final third.
Formation: 4-3-3
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
- Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Marcos Acuña
- Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso
- Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez
Tactics and Key Points:
- Attacking Play:
- Messi will be the main playmaker in attack, with Lautaro Martínez leading the line as the primary goalscorer. Julián Álvarez will offer movement and pressing on the left wing, allowing for fluid attacking rotations.
- Lo Celso and De Paul will provide creative support in the final third, with Paredes sitting deeper to protect the defense and facilitate transitions.
- Defensive Strategy:
- Argentina will aim to dominate possession, with Otamendi and Romero forming a solid defensive backbone. Acuña and Molina will provide width in attack, while staying compact defensively to limit Paraguay’s counters.
- Messi’s Influence:
- Messi is expected to drop deeper into the midfield at times to create overloads and deliver incisive passes, but he will also be a key figure in the final third, looking to link up with Martínez and Álvarez.
Key Matchups:
- Messi vs. Paraguay’s Defense:
- As always, Messi will be the central figure in Argentina’s attack, and how Paraguay’s defenders, led by Gustavo Gómez and Fabián Balbuena, handle him will be crucial to the outcome.
- Argentina’s Midfield vs. Paraguay’s Counter-Attack:
- De Paul and Lo Celso will need to control possession in midfield, while Paredes will be tasked with disrupting Paraguay’s counter-attacks led by Miguel Almirón.
- Lautaro Martínez vs. Paraguay’s Defense:
- Lautaro Martínez‘s pace and ability to make runs behind the defense will be key in breaking down Paraguay’s back line. If he can get space, he’ll be dangerous in front of goal.