Argentina predicted lineup vs France: FIFA World Cup 2022 Final

Can Lionel Messi finally get his hands on the trophy?

The Albiceleste have come knocking on the doors with all guns blazing and are now just one step away from winning the elusive trophy. All that stands in their way is a refurbished France side who are looking equally dangerous and it is very difficult to place the odds as to who is going to bring the trophy back home come 18th December. Argentina had a shocking start to the tournament after a historic loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening fixture but they bounced back immediately after wins against Poland and Mexico in the Group stage.

A relatively comfortable win against Australia in the Round of 16, a thriller of a victory against the Dutch and then an easy victory against the Croats in the semi-finals now sees them on the edge of greatness once again. Let’s have a look at how the Argentinians could line up against France in the all-important FIFA World Cup 2022 Final at Lusail Stadium on Sunday, 18th December, 8:30 PM IST.

Predicted formation of Argentina (4-4-2)

Emiliano Martinez (Goalkeeper)

The Aston Villa goalkeeper is the obvious choice for the number one position. He is one of the most crucial players in Argentina’s winning run throughout the tournament. He has a good reflex and a great sense of ball distribution. Making two penalty saves in the Quarter final against Netherlands, he has an average goals conceded record of 0.83 in the tournament. A fore runner for the Golden Glove award without any doubt.

Nahuel Molina (Right Back)

He is a versatile player, currently plying his trade with Atletico Madrid, typically operating as a right-wing-back in a back five system whenever required for Scaloni. However, he has also played as a more orthodox right-back in a back four, as well as a left-wing-back on occasion. He scored the opener against Netherlands in the Quarter final and has capped off impressive performances to get himself in the starting XI ahead of Gonzalo Montiel.

Cristian Romero (Central Defender)

Though he has been scrappy at the back at times and looked vulnerable, his height and presence makes him an obvious choice for Scaloni. The 6”defender from Tottenham Hotspur has the required agility and an acute sense of game reading to track the opponent down. Will he be a better option than Marcos Rojo who was bludgeoned by Kylian Mbappe back in 2018 FIFA World Cup? Let’s hope for the best.

Nicolas Otamendi (Central Defender)

A warrior in the heart of the defence, he has led the backline by example. A no-nonsense tenacious defender with all the experience in the world, he has had yet another impressive tournament and made some mind blowing tackles. A defender of sheer art, he will have to turn up high time if Argentina are to stop the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud.

Matheus Acuna (Left Back)

It is a relief for many Argentinians around the world that his suspension was limited to the semi-finals only. An important aspect of the team, he brings in a dart of pace in the game as he gallops down the left hand side and sends in teasing crosses. Nicolas Tagliafico was an obvious option for Scaloni at the beginning of the tournament but Acuna has certainly proved his worth in the starting XI.

Rodrigo De Paul (Central Midfielder)

The work horse in the center of the midfield and often the personal guard for Lionel Messi as deemed by many, he seems to be relentless. He is the player with most recoveries (54) among the 675 players in the 2022 World Cup. His work rate on the pitch remains unparalleled and he will be surely looking forward to run down the French again.

Leandro Paredes (Central Midfielder)

It seems very likely that the final against France will be won and lost in the midfield. There are going to be some gargantuan clashes and this man is certainly certified enough to withstand the pressure of it. Also being able to play in both a double pivot or as the deepest lying player in a three man midfield, Paredes is a 'regista' who tends to organize play from deep in his own half. Despite not possessing much pace, this position suits his physical and technical abilities very well as his passing and vision on the field truly compensate for his shortcomings in respect to speed. 

Alexis Mac Allister (Central Midfielder)

Mac Allister can play in a variety of central midfield roles, settling into the number 10 position across a range of formations, also incuding a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-diamond-2. His primary position is as an attacking midfielder, at times in conjunction with another attacking midfielder (switches with Messi alternately) or winger supporting a lone striker, or a lone number 10 behind two strikers as is the case most of the time in this Argentinian side. His versatility has made him a vital aspect of the team since Giovani Lo Celso was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

Enzo Fernandez (Central Midfielder)

A combatant by nature, this 21-year-old has scrubbed the tournament by it’s neck. He is a deep lying midfielder by nature and acts as a screen for the back two. He has an excellent sense of passing and makes the most out of the pitch throughout the center and the flanks. No wonder the likes of Liverpool and other renowned clubs have gone berserk to get him onboarded after his impressive WC campaign.

Julian Alvarez (Forward)

The Manchester City man has given Lautaro Martinez a run for his money and made his way through to the starting XI with ease. Also, scoring 4 goals in six matches, he remains one of the contenders for the Golden Boot award and is sure to make the starting XI.

Lionel Messi (Forward)

Will revenge be served hot on a plate for this man? The GOAT (Greatest of All Time) as considered by many will have his one last dance with destiny on Sunday. The most important man on the pitch for Argentina for almost two decades now, his numbers speak for himself. Finally, scoring 5 goals and having 4 assists in his name already in this World Cup, he will be sure to make the starting XI as he will be rooting to get his name etched beside the great Diego Maradona come 18th December to lead Argentina to a third World Cup trophy.