Lionel Messi’s last World Cup in focus for Argentina as we look at their best predicted starting lineup for FIFA World Cup 2022.
The 2022 CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup Champions and 2021 COPA AMERICA winners, Argentina are coming to the 2022 FIFA World Cup on a 36-match unbeaten run. With Lionel Messi announcing that this will be his last World Cup, the Argentina team are looking forward to winning this for him.
While Argentina have a few injuries and are missing Lo Celso, they are still one of the favorites to win the World Cup. Lionel Scaloni has a lot of talented players in the squad to execute their plan, and be able to see the tournament through.
Given the relatively tougher group, Argentina will have to start the tournament strong to avoid any upsets and reach the knockouts. So, as we wait for their match to begin, let’s now look at the best starting lineup for the Argentina side for FIFA World Cup 2022.
Best Predicted Starting Lineup for Argentina for FIFA World Cup 2022:
Formation
Argentina have a really good squad and would have multiple options in every position. While they can play multiple formations, the team would mostly stick to a 4-3-3 formation in the tournament with Lionel Messi leading the team.
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez
Emiliano Martinez has been one of the most crucial players in Argentina’s winning run in the 2021 Copa America. He commands great respect over his backline and is known for maintaining constant communication. Both shot-stopping and coming off his line to clear danger, Martinez has been rock solid in recent times for Argentina.
Defenders
Nahuel Molina
Nahuel Molina is one of the young players in the team. He has played 20 games for Argentina and has been unbeaten across all 20 games. Molina is an amazing full-back who not only contributes defensively but also helps in creating goal-scoring opportunities. It will be interesting to see how he is able to pick Lautaro Martinez in the box.
Nicolas Otamendi
Otamendi is one of the most trusted players in Argentina’s central defence. The 22-year-old played three matches at the 2010 World Cup. His COPA AMERICA 2021 figures speak for themselves with 10 tackles and 10 interceptions and 19 clearances in the 5 games that he played.
Cristian Romero
Romero has had a minor injury recently while playing for the Spurs. However, it seems like he would be able to play the World Cup partnering with Otamendi. While Lisandro Martinez is also in form, he could possibly start if Romero is not match fit. Romero played 3 games in the COPA America winning team with a 75% tackle percentage.
Nicolás Tagliafico
Tagliafico allows more attacking options to the team with his runs for overlaps on the wings. With Lautaro Martinez and Di Maria leading the attack especially on the counter-attack, his ability to push forward and join the attack is great for the team. He quickly tracks back and this comes in handy when the team loses the ball.
Mid-Fielders
Rodrigo De Paul
Rodrigo De Paul is one of the key players in the Argentina midfield along with Leandro Paredes. While he has not scored/assisted a lot for his club this season, he has multiple assists for the Argentina team in the world cup qualifiers. Rodrigo is one of the sure starters for the team, and has been playing almost all games for the National team.
Leandro Paredes
Leandro Paredes is one of the most experienced players in the midfield. He has played for the team in all games of the COPA America 2019 and COPA America 2021 winning 75% and 100% of the aerial duels in the contest. The team will be looking at him to hold the midfield as the rest of the team attacks on counters.
Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister has been the surprise in the Argentina squad, and he will be a great addition to the team’s attack. In 14 games for Brighton, he has scored 5 goals for the team and will be looking forward to showcasing his skills at the 2022 World Cup.
Forwards
Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria is playing his 4th World Cup for Argentina, and is among the few players who were a part of the 2010 World Cup. He has played a pivotal role in Argentina’s journey to the World Cup 2014 finals with 1 goal in the 5 games he started. He will be key along with Messi in the team’s attack and score/assist like he did in the qualifiers.
Lautaro Martinez
Lautaro Martinez has been in sublime form for the Argentina team with 11 goals and 4 assists in the last 3 years. He scored 3 goals in the COPA AMERICA 2021 tournament and was key part of the team’s win. Lautaro has a big presence inside the box and with Tagliafico and Molina on the wings along with Messi/Di Maria, he would be the perfect man for crosses.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is in-form for PSG and has been playing amazingly well this season. This being his last World Cup, he will have an added motivation to win it for his country. Messi is not just the captain of the team, but also the best player for his country. He has 7 goals and 10 assists in 13 Ligue-1 matches this season, which is quite good.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Best Predicted Starting Lineup for Argentina
GK: Emiliano Martinez
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Tagliafico
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister
Forwards: Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Lionel Messi
Thanks for reading! What’s your starting lineup for Argentina for FIFA World Cup 2022? Please email your thoughts to footbalyticsofficial@gmail.com
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Ayush is an author at Footbalytics. He is an avid football fan. He loves to play and follow the sport, and has been following club football since 2005, and has been playing the fantasy premier league for over 10 years.