Scaloni weighs changes across all three lines as Argentina prepare for Egypt clash

After surviving a frantic 3-2 extra‑time scare against Cape Verde, Argentina have arrived in Atlanta to prepare for their World Cup Round of 16 showdown with Egypt on July 7 – and head coach Lionel Scaloni is seriously considering at least one change in each line of his starting XI.

The Albiceleste once again needed Lionel Messi to rescue them, with the 39‑year‑old captain scoring twice to overturn a 2‑1 deficit in the dying stages of the Round of 32 tie. While the result kept Argentina’s title defence alive, the performance triggered alarm bells within Scaloni’s coaching staff. According to TyC Sports and ESPN, the tactical review has identified three key areas for potential adjustment.

Defence: Medina Injury Opens Door for Tagliafico Return

The most pressing question is at left‑back. Facundo Medina, who had cemented his starting role with strong displays earlier in the tournament, was forced off in the 86th minute against Cape Verde with a severe cramp. Although the injury is not believed to be serious, Scaloni is now weighing whether to restore Nicolás Tagliafico to the starting line‑up. The veteran full‑back, a key figure in Argentina’s 2022 triumph, has been solid in his limited substitute appearances and offers greater defensive nous for the knockout stage.

A secondary tweak could come at right‑back, where BolaVIP reports that Scaloni has rotated between Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel in training. Molina started against Cape Verde but was caught out of position on several occasions, prompting staff to consider Montiel’s more conservative profile.

Midfield: Paredes or González – Almada the Likely Sacrifice

The midfield balance, or lack thereof, was Argentina’s biggest weakness against the African side. With Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister struggling to impose themselves in the double pivot, Scaloni is weighing two distinct alternatives.

The first option, favoured by TyC Sports insider Gastón Edul, is to introduce Leandro Paredes – who came off the bench and immediately added composure against Cape Verde. His inclusion would push Mac Allister wider to the left and relegate Thiago Almada to the bench, providing greater structural solidity in central transitions.

The second option, floated by several analysts, is to start Nicolás González. The Fiorentina winger changed the game when he entered against Cape Verde, offering electric pace and direct dribbling down the flank – an element Argentina have sorely lacked throughout the tournament. The final decision is expected to hinge on Scaloni’s assessment of Egypt’s setup and whether he prioritises control or width.

Attack: Álvarez Poised to Replace Lautaro

Up front, the striker debate continues to divide opinion. Lautaro Martínez has been Scaloni’s preferred choice, but his anonymous display against Cape Verde – where he failed to register a shot on target – has reopened the door for Julián Álvarez. The Manchester City forward, who missed two matches with an ankle injury, is reportedly fully fit and in line for only his second start of the tournament, after the group‑stage match against Jordan.

ESPN suggests that Álvarez’s movement and work rate could be better suited to facing Egypt’s compact low block, while Lautaro’s struggles in dropping deep have become a recurring concern. Regardless of who partners Messi, the captain’s place is non‑negotiable – he now has seven goals in four matches and remains Argentina’s unquestioned talisman.

Projected Argentina Line‑up vs Egypt

With Scaloni keeping his cards close to his chest, the most widely tipped XI for Saturday’s clash is as follows:

Goalkeeper: Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez – one of the few truly untouchable names on the team sheet.

Defence: Nahuel Molina (or Gonzalo Montiel) at right‑back; Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez as the central pair; and Nicolás Tagliafico returning at left‑back in place of Medina.

Midfield: Rodrigo De Paul is certain to start, alongside Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister. The final midfield slot remains a toss‑up – Leandro Paredes for greater control, or Nicolás González for pace and width, with Thiago Almada likely to drop out in either scenario.

Attack: Lionel Messi leads the line, with Julián Álvarez expected to get the nod over Lautaro Martínez.

Egypt Pose a Formidable Challenge

Egypt, who reached the last 16 after finishing second behind Portugal in Group C, boast a dangerous attack featuring Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush – both capable of punishing Argentina’s high defensive line. The Pharaohs are also tactically disciplined, with analysts noting they plan to deploy a triple‑marking system to contain Messi.

Argentina’s training session in Miami was interrupted by thunderstorms, but the squad arrived in Atlanta on July 5 and held a full workout at the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, which features air‑conditioning – a welcome relief from the oppressive humidity they endured in South Florida.

What Scaloni Said

Speaking to reporters before the team’s departure, Scaloni remained cryptic about his selections: “We have analysed the Cape Verde match in detail. There are things we did well and things we must correct. Every opponent is different, and we will choose the best XI for this game.”

When pressed on the midfield dilemma, he added: “The team needs balance. Sometimes that means more control, sometimes more penetration. We have the players for both.”

The Messi Factor

Whatever changes Scaloni makes, the spotlight will once again fall on Messi. The 39‑year‑old has carried Argentina through every match, and his seven goals account for 64% of the team’s total output. Against Egypt, he will become the oldest outfield player to feature in a World Cup knockout match – a testament to his enduring genius, but also a warning that Argentina cannot rely on him forever.

Kick‑off in Atlanta is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time, with the winner advancing to a quarter‑final meeting with either Portugal or Ghana. For Scaloni and his staff, the final training session on Friday evening will determine whether the changes are radical or cosmetic – but one thing is certain: Argentina cannot afford another performance like the one against Cape Verde and expect to progress.