Argentina Restores Regulars: Lautaro Martinez to Start Alongside Messi Against Cape Verde
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to restore his regular starters for Friday's World Cup Round of 32 match against Cape Verde, with Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez getting the nod to partner Lionel Messi in attack. The match kicks off at 6 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium, with the defending champions heavily favored as -800 moneyline favorites.
According to multiple reports, including TyC Sports, Scaloni will select Martinez over Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez, despite the latter's strong form. Martinez, 28, has scored 38 goals in 80 senior appearances for Argentina, including a penalty in the 3-1 group-stage win over Jordan. He was also the top scorer in Serie A last season, netting 17 times in 30 games as Inter won the Scudetto.
Predicted Lineup and Injury Updates
The probable Argentina lineup features Emiliano Martínez in goal, with a defensive line of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Nicolás Tagliafico. Romero has recovered from a knee injury that forced him off during the 2-0 victory over Austria, though Scaloni said he would make a final assessment before kickoff. The midfield is expected to feature Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández, with Thiago Almada providing creativity behind Messi and Martinez.
Cape Verde, appearing in their fourth World Cup match, are massive +2200 underdogs. Their goalkeeper Vozinha (Josimar José Évora Dias) drew attention early in the match for a risky dribbling move near his own goal, attempting to nutmeg Martinez in the sixth minute—a moment that became a talking point on social media.
Why This Matters: The Stakes for Argentina and Martinez
Argentina enter this match as the reigning World Cup champions and among the favorites to retain the trophy. They swept through Group J with wins over Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, relying heavily on Messi's six goals—tying him with France's Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race. However, Scaloni rotated nine players for the final group game against Jordan, giving fringe players like Nico Paz a chance.
For Martinez, the start is a significant vote of confidence. After a strong domestic season with Inter, he has faced occasional competition from Álvarez, who scored crucial goals for Atlético Madrid. The Inter captain has started every match for Argentina in the tournament so far, and his ability to finish chances—combined with his link-up play with Messi—will be critical against a Cape Verde side that stunned Spain earlier in the tournament.
What This Means for the Knockout Rounds
The winner of this match will face either Australia or Egypt in the Round of 16. A potential run to the final would pit Argentina against increasingly strong African and European opposition. Scaloni’s decision to stick with Martinez suggests he values the forward's physicality and aerial ability against physically imposing defenders.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, have shown they can punch above their weight. Their goalkeeper Vozinha was a hero in the group stage, and their counterattacking style could trouble Argentina if the defense is caught too high. However, Argentina’s depth—with Álvarez and others on the bench—gives Scaloni options if the match requires a different tactical approach.
Broader Implications: Argentina’s Quest for Back-to-Back Titles and Messi’s Legacy
Argentina’s pursuit of a third World Cup title—and a second consecutive one—is unprecedented in the modern era. No nation has successfully defended the trophy since Brazil in 1962. Messi, now 38, has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time, but a second World Cup victory would place him in even more rarified air.
The team’s performance also has implications beyond the pitch. Argentina’s squad depth, particularly in attack, has been a talking point. Martinez’s role as the primary striker alongside Messi allows Scaloni to preserve Álvarez for later rounds or tactical adjustments. The team’s defensive solidity, anchored by Romero and Lisandro Martínez, will be tested against quicker African attackers.
Global Trends in World Cup Betting and Fan Focus
On the betting front, Martinez is listed at -125 (FanDuel) as an anytime goalscorer, reflecting confidence in his ability to find the net. Betting markets have also highlighted Cape Verde’s Vozinha as a potential game-changer after his heroics against Spain. The match is part of a busy Friday schedule that includes Egypt vs. Australia and Colombia vs. Ghana.
For fans, the match marks the final day of the Round of 32, which has already seen several upsets. The tournament's format—with 48 teams and a new knockout structure—has created more opportunities for dramatic moments and strategic squad rotation.
What This Changes: Scaloni’s Tactical Continuity and Martinez’s World Cup Legacy
Scaloni’s decision to start Martinez signals continuity. The coach has rarely revealed his lineup before kickoff, but his rotations in the group stage suggest he is managing player workloads carefully. Martinez’s start also underscores his importance as a target man who can hold up play and create space for Messi—a role Álvarez, while talented, does not fill in the same way.
If Martinez scores against Cape Verde, he would further solidify his status as one of Argentina’s most reliable strikers. His record of 38 goals in 80 games is nearly a goal every two matches, an impressive rate for someone who often plays as a second striker or false nine. A strong performance could also boost his confidence for deeper knockout matches against elite defenses.
Off the field, the game has drawn attention to the tournament’s broader narrative: the rise of African teams like Cape Verde and the endurance of veteran stars like Messi. For Martinez, this match is an opportunity to prove he can deliver when it matters most—and to help Argentina take another step toward history.
For more on Argentina’s World Cup campaign and other football news, check out Martinez Leads Portugal Into Croatia Clash on Emotional Jota Anniversary and Ange Postecoglou Returns to Dugout as Al-Nassr Head Coach Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
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