Argentina Vs Cape Verde Predicted XIs For FIFA World Cup Match: Lionel Messi Starts

Last Updated:July 03, 2026, 11:56 IST

Here are our probable starting XIs for the Argentina vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash tonight in Miami.

Lionel Messi-led star-studded Argentina face FIFA World Cup 2026 debutants Cape Verde in round of 32 clash tonight. The defending champions are the clear favourites having reached here by winning all three of their group matches while Cape Verde defied expectations for a fairytale entry into the knockouts.

“I believe we can do a great thing here," Cape Verde defender Ianique dos Santos Tavares, who goes by the name Stopira, said on Thursday. “And this is no exception. This match is no exception."

Argentina originally expected Spain or Uruguay at this stage as likely opponents from the bracket projections.

However, Cape Verde, a small island nation featuring a 40-year-old goalkeeper and a widely shared story about his mother’s trip to watch group-stage games, arrived after drawing Spain in its opener.

“The truth is that when the draw was decided, the group that we would (have) to face … there were two world champions there," Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul said.

Spain advanced, Uruguay were eliminated.

Cape Verde reached the round of 32 with three draws and no wins.

“We are not surprised, to be honest," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “They are a good team. They are here on merit and deserve respect."

Cape Verde plans to rely on set pieces and an organised defending that has conceded just twice as they shut out Spain.

“We have our own strategy, not only against Messi, but the whole team," Cape Verde coach Bubista said. “We know they are world champions and we respect them."

Argentina vs Cape Verde Probable XIs

Argentina Predicted Starting XI: Emiliano Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez

Cape Verde Predicted Starting XI: Vozinha; Steven Moreira, Roberto Lopes, Diney Borges, Sidny Lopes Cabral; Laros Duarte, Kevin Pina, Jamiro Monteiro; Ryan Mendes, Dailon Livramento, Jovane Cabral

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