Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has called for calm from the holders as they bid to avoid one of the greatest upsets of all time against unbeaten tournament debutants Cape Verde in the World Cup 2026 last 32.
Scaloni’s side advanced in serene fashion with nine points and the help of six goals from joint-top tournament scorer Lionel Messi, avoiding a surprise of the sort they suffered when Saudi Arabia beat them on matchday one in 2022.
“Teams usually change how they play against us,” said Scaloni, whose players face opponents standing 62 places below them in FIFA’s rankings.
“They defend and attack differently. When things get tough, we’re ready to dig in. That’s what matters most.”
Cape Verde produced an immediate shock at the finals, drawing 0-0 with 2010 world champions and reigning European titlists Spain on matchday one.
The Blue Sharks proved that was no fluke with a 2-2 draw against Uruguay and a goalless stalemate against Saudi Arabia, ensuring they finished ahead of both of those nations.
“We’ll try to do the impossible because we’ve already come this far by doing the impossible,” said Diney, a centre-back for UAE Pro League club Al-Bataeh, speaking to FIFA.
“We came here to compete with the best. Qualifying isn’t enough; we want to go further. We have to be heroes.
“We’ll take to the pitch knowing the world will be watching. The main challenge is stopping Lionel Messi.”
The winners of the tie will face Australia or Egypt, whose tie kicks off four hours earlier, in the last 16 in Atlanta on Tuesday (17:00 BST).
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World Cup 2026: Argentina v Cape Verde team news
Midfielder Telmo Arcanjo is an injury doubt for Cape Verde, who could restore left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral following suspension.
Assistant coach Humberto Bettencourt said Messi will not be man-marked. “We consider Messi to be a player who makes a difference,” he acknowledged, via Reuters.
“But we always look at the collective – the combinations that can be created, the spaces they may try to open up for Messi.”
Argentina will make numerous changes after initially resting the likes of Messi and Alexis Mac Allister in their 3-1 win over Jordan on matchday three, as well as keeping first-choice players including Lisandro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez on the bench.
Cristian Romero has returned to full training following a knee issue but right-back Gonzalo Montiel is out with a hamstring injury.
Lautaro Martinez will keep his place ahead of Julian Alvarez and Facundo Medina could start at left-back at Nicolas Tagliafico’s expense, according to Ole.
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