Argentina Starting XI vs England: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Lionel Messi Fitness Boost Gives Argentina Hope Before England Semi-Final

Argentina have been handed the kind of lift that can shape a World Cup semi-final, with Lionel Messi expected to be fit for the meeting with England after a worrying moment in the quarter-final against Switzerland. For all the drama of that 3-1 extra-time win, the sight of Messi needing treatment briefly sent a shiver through Argentine hearts.

Messi took an accidental blow to the face from Granit Xhaka, an incident that appeared to leave him bloodied before he gathered himself, received treatment and carried on. In a tournament where he has already scored or assisted 10 of Argentina’s 17 goals, that was always going to be the headline concern. Yet the biggest takeaway is simple, he played the full 120 minutes and looks set to lead the line again.

Photo: IMAGO

That matters because the story of Argentina’s World Cup has so often been the story of Messi. He remains the figure around whom everything revolves, the conductor, the finisher and the man opponents fear most. England will know that stopping him is one task, slowing the entire Argentina machine around him is quite another.

Argentina team news before England clash

There is, however, a sense that the miles are beginning to add up. Lionel Scaloni has largely trusted a settled side through hard-earned victories over Cape Verde, Egypt and now Switzerland. Consistency has brought rhythm, but tournament football has a way of testing even the most settled squads.

At the back, fatigue may force a rethink. Cristian Romero’s withdrawal in extra-time looked significant, and Facundo Medina could now come into sharper focus. Full-backs Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico were both managed before the end of normal time, which may leave them fresh enough to go again.

Further forward, Julian Alvarez and Messi have built a sharp understanding, while Lautaro Martinez offers proven depth if Scaloni decides fresh legs are needed. Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes were spared the added strain of extra-time, and that could be crucial in the heart of the pitch. Alexis Mac Allister may be the one area where Argentina think hardest about rotation.

Messi fitness could define England semi-final

The predicted Argentina XI suggests Scaloni will stick close to what has brought him this far, with only subtle tweaks if required. England will take some encouragement from any hint of weariness in the opposition, but Messi’s availability changes the mood entirely. He has that gift of making even the most balanced contest feel tilted.

For England, the challenge is obvious. For Argentina, the message is even clearer. If Messi is fit, then belief travels with him. Credit to the original source for the team news and selection picture heading into a huge night at Atlanta Stadium.