Argentina's starting lineup for the final group stage match has been revealed! Ten players will be rotated, leaving only the starting goalkeeper, with the 39-year-old Messi potentially coming off the bench for the second half.

26/06/2026 20:00:12 test8088

On June 26, Beijing time, Argentine authoritative media TyC revealed the expected starting lineup for Argentina's final group match. In this game, Argentina will rotate as many as ten players. While the starting eleven is not yet confirmed, it is anticipated that only starting goalkeeper Dibu Martinez will continue to start.

Argentine media noted that, having already clinched first place in the group, head coach Scaloni wants to take this chance to give some minutes to players who have not yet featured in this World Cup. These include highly anticipated young talents such as Nico Paz, Giuliano Simeone, and Valentín Barco. They could serve as surprise weapons for Argentina in the knockout stage.

Of course, Scaloni will also offer opportunities to some veterans, such as Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, and Nicolás Otamendi, who may all take the field. Additionally, Marcos Senesi, who was called up as a late replacement, could also make his World Cup debut.

Furthermore, Julián Álvarez, valued at €100 million, will also make his first start of this World Cup. In the first two matches, the "Spider" came off the bench but looked out of form. In the second game against Austria, he even squandered a one-on-one chance and urgently needs playing time to regain his rhythm.

Argentina's football king Messi, who just turned 39, will come off the bench in the second half. Taking advantage of the opponent's fading energy and reduced pressing, he will maintain his match fitness in preparation for the tough knockout-stage battles ahead.