Scaloni Expected to Maintain Argentina’s Core XI for Switzerland Clash

Lionel Messi is preparing for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup quarterfinal after a hard‑fought 3‑2 comeback win over Egypt. With Switzerland looming, head coach Lionel Scaloni is said to be planning only minor adjustments to the lineup that started against the Africans.

Tuesday’s match appeared to threaten the end of Messi’s World Cup run, as Argentina fell behind 2‑0 before the Inter Miami striker rallied the team in the 78th minute to secure a 3‑2 win. Although the performance raised several questions, the coaching staff seems inclined to keep the current setup.

TyC Sports journalist and Argentina insider Gaston Edul reports that no major alterations are anticipated between the Egypt and Switzerland lineups for the July 12 quarterfinal. Scaloni skipped a full‑scaled practice on Thursday, a deviation from his usual routine, indicating that only minor tweaks will be made, with Friday’s session likely serving as the final preparation.

Players who secured their places in the starting XI against Egypt are expected to keep them. Nicolas Tagliafico, fully fit, will retain the left‑back role, and Leandro Paredes looks set to maintain his spot after a strong defensive showing that included a vital recovery to thwart a dangerous Egyptian counterattack.

Leandro Paredes #5 of Argentina and Mohamed Salah #10 of Egypt compete for the ball.

Julian Alvarez is also expected to stay on as Messi’s attacking partner, despite ongoing queries about his form. While Lautaro Martínez has been the sharper finisher in the final third, Alvarez’s work rate and explosiveness are considered better suited to dismantling a well‑organized Swiss defensive block on Saturday.

Key Selection Questions for Argentina

The right‑back spot remains a genuine battle, with Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel both vying for the starting berth. Neither has fully convinced throughout the tournament, leaving the position open as Argentina approaches the quarterfinal.

Montiel was introduced in the 73rd minute against Egypt, when Argentina trailed 0‑2, and promptly made an impact by setting up Messi for the 2‑2 equalizer while operating as a No. 9 inside the box in the 83rd minute. Nonetheless, both players have displayed weaknesses on and off the ball, and their selection may depend on how they perform in Friday’s training session.

Another lingering question is whether Nicolás González can break into Argentina’s midfield plans. The Atlético Madrid winger came on as a substitute against Egypt and instantly supplied the pace that had been absent all tournament. With Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul both underperforming, González’s capacity to shift the tempo makes him an attractive wildcard option for the Switzerland match.

Projected Argentina Lineup

• Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez.
• Defenders: Nahuel Molina/Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Nicolas Tagliafico.
• Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Leandro Paredes, and Alexis Mac Allister.
• Forwards: Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez.

Source link