FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi starts, Lautaro benched as Argentina make three changes against Egypt
Atlanta, July 7
Lionel Scaloni has made three changes to Argentina's starting XI for Tuesday's 2026 FIFA World Cup round-of-16 clash against Egypt, with Lautaro Martinez dropping to the bench and Julian Alvarez coming into the lineup.
Nicolas Tagliafico and Leandro Paredes also return to the starting XI, replacing Facundo Medina and Thiago Almada.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has made two changes, bringing in forward Haissem Hassan and midfielder Mohanad Lasheen for Omar Marmoush and Hamdy Fathy.
Argentina booked their place in the last 16 after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde, while Egypt advanced following a penalty shootout victory over Australia after their match ended 1-1.
The winner of the tie will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals.
Teams:
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
Egypt: Mostafa Shoubir; Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Ramy Rabia, Karim Hafez; Mohanad Lashin, Emam Ashour, Marawan Attia, Mostafa Zico; Mohamed Salah, Haissem Hassan.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Bro Argentina - Egypt in Round of 16 is going to be epic! Have you seen Egypt's counter-attacking game? Haissem Hassan is seriously underrated, and with someone like Mo Salah pulling the strings, Argentina's defence needs to be on high alert. But honestly, with Messi on the pitch, Argentina always have a chance. Jai Hind 🇮🇳⚽
I don't understand why Almada is dropped. He was so influential in the Cape Verde game with his creativity. Replacing him with Paredes makes Argentina more defensive, which might backfire against Egypt's pace. And Lautaro on the bench? That's a gamble I'm not sure Scaloni can afford. Khallas Argentina if they lose!
Mauka mauka Egypt! 😄 Firstly, congrats to both teams for reaching R16, but I genuinely think Argentina are vulnerable. Their extra-time win vs Cape Verde showed cracks in defence. Egypt parked bus + counter with Salah and Hassan could give them nightmares. My prediction: 2-1 Argentina but only because Messi magic. What do you think?
Tactically, Scaloni's changes make some sense. Paredes adds more steel in midfield against Egypt's physical approach, and Julian's work rate is higher than Lautaro's. But big call benching Martinez when he's Argentina's top scorer in the tournament so far. Reminds me of how some IPL teams drop form players for 'big names' and suffer. Hope Argentina prove me wrong.
As someone who follows both cricket and football, I find the parallel fascinating. Big tournament
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