Argentina starting lineup vs England confirmed as Lionel Messi named for FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match

The winner of the Argentina-England game will face Spain in the final on July 19.

Defending champions Argentina are set to take on England in the semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia. The game is set to be a thrilling, top-notch clash between two of the best sides in the world.

Talking about La Albiceleste, they scored eight goals and conceded one in the group stage, winning all three games. However, their journey in the knockout round has been far from easy. They faced Cape Verde in the round of 32, and the game went into extra time, and Argentina eventually won, courtesy of an own goal by Diney Borges off Cristian Romero’s header.

La Albiceleste later secured a 3-2 comeback win over Egypt by scoring three goals within 15 minutes. The victory also became infamous for refereeing decisions. Facing Switzerland in the quarterfinal, they later secured a 3-1 win in the extra time.

Thus, drafting a fully recovered starting XI will be a tough task for Lionel Scaloni, as they have played 120 minutes in two out of three games.

Also Read: Who is Ismail Elfath? Meet referee officiating England vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final

Argentina lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against England

Argentina XI (4-4-2): Emiliano Martínez (GK), Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico, Giuliano Simeone, Enzo Fernández, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Lionel Messi (C), Julián Álvarez.

Thoughts on the lineup

Emiliano Martinez, who has failed to keep a clean sheet since the group stage, will keep the gloves for La Albiceleste in the semifinal. Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez will form the centre-back duo, while Nahuel Molina and Nicolás Tagliafico will play on the flanks in the backline.

Despite doubts, Alexis Mac Allister will start in the midfield alongside Enzo Fernández and Leandro Paredes. However, Scaloni has made an interesting decision by starting Giuliano Simeone over Rodrigo de Paul.

With minimal changes to the starting XI from the last game, captain Lionel Messi will lead the attack, while Julian Alvarez will be his deputy in the frontline.

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