Is Lionel Messi playing tonight in Argentina's decisive match against Cape Verde? | OneFootball

In just a few moments, Lionel Messi’s Argentina will face the surprise team of the World Cup, Cape Verde, for a place in the Round of 16 of the most prestigious tournament in the sport.

With a perfect record in the group stage, Lionel Scaloni’s side has the upper hand against the Africans, also because they are the defending champions.

At the same time, Lionel Messi has six goals and is tied with Kylian Mbappé as the World Cup’s top scorer, at least at the moment I am writing this article, because Argentina has not played yet.

With a chance to surpass Mbappé, all eyes will be on whether Lionel Messi takes the field today against Cape Verde.

Is Lionel Messi playing today for Argentina against Cape Verde?

The Argentine star is one of the reasons why Argentina earned all nine points in the group stage. Playing in only one match, Messi carried the attack when they needed him most.

Many teams have used the middle of the field to sit back and defend against the World Cup champions from Qatar.

However, it would be very strange for Lionel Scaloni not to use the Inter Miami captain for this Round of 32 match.

So far, there is only one doubt in the South Americans’ lineup, and it is not Messi but the left back. Other than that, Scaloni would repeat the same starting eleven that played against Austria and Algeria.

To make it simple, yes, Lionel Messi will start against Cape Verde.

Argentina’s formation will be: Dibu Martinez, Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico or Medina, Fernandez, McAllister, De Paul, Almada, Lautaro Martinez, Messi.

One could imagine that the South American side won’t have any trouble winning this game. However, as they did against Spain, Cape Verde is determined to cause another upset and show they belong on football's biggest stage by challenging one of the tournament favorites.