Argentina predicted lineup for Chile clash in Copa America 2024; Lionel Messi to start?

Argentina won their first match against Canada convincingly.

Defending champions Argentina comfortably cleared their first test when they beat Canada by two goals in the campaign opener. Up next, Lionel Scaloni’s army will face another South American heavyweight Chile.

A win here would secure Lionel Messi & his boys a knock-out stage berth while an unlikely loss to Chile would make the group open. The champion squad are riding on boiling hot form and would like to maintain their winning streak when they face rivals & neighbours Chile.

On that note, let’s have a look at how Scaloni’s formidable side would line up against Ricardo Gareca’s La Roja at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.

Argentina’s predicted lineup against Chile:

GK: Emi Martinez

The 31-year-old who spirited life to Argentina’s defense since his arrival is expected to start again. The GK has achieved it all with Argentina, be it Copa America, World Cup, or Finnalssima, everything having played only 40 games to date!

The 1.95m goalie had minimal to do in the first game, with only two shots on target from Canada. He managed to keep a clean sheet again, increasing his tally to 29 in 40 matches.

RB: Nahuel Molina

The 26-year-old Atletico Madrid side-back is expected to start again, having decently performed his defensive duties in the first game. He made 48 accurate passes & won one tackle before being subbed in the 89th minute.

Molina’s capability of playing as an RM whenever needed will be beneficial while playing an attacking brand of football against Chile.

CB: Cristian Romero

Romero is an automatic choice for the Scaloni coached team. Aged 26, the centre-back anchors the team’s defense line. He played full minutes in the last game, winning three tackles & making 91 accurate passes. Romero at the back will be crucial when facing the lethal forward line of Chile, consisting of Sanchez, Diaz, and Vargas.

CB: Lisandro Martinez

Like his partner, Lisandro also played an error-free & perfect game in the campaign opener. The Manchester United full-back is expected to start as Scaloni would not like to alter his back-line in such a vital match.

Lisandro won two tackles in the last game while making 84 accurate passes. He also committed one foul.

LB: Marcos Acuna

The veteran left-back is the best in his position for La Albiceleste. The Argentina No. 8 had a good game against Canada, almost playing it fully before getting subbed after 89 minutes.

He faced minimal threats in the campaign opener so remained untested. But, his role will be crucial here, both as a defender and also as someone who can cater by moving up the wings.

RM: Angel Di Maria

The prolific veteran winger is expected to start again as an RM. He had a decent outing against Canada, playing 68 minutes from the start but failed to trigger many shots, score goals, or provide assists. Fans will expect at least one goal from the star No. 11 in this game.

CM: Rodrigo de Paul

Argentina’s anchor in the midfield is an automatic choice to start & play it full if no mishaps occur. De Paul had a perfect game in the first one like he has always had in the recent past.

His team-man mentality is a vital cog for this game, which might turn physical anytime. He needs to avoid making serious fouls or getting booked like he did in the last one.

CM: Giovani Lo Celso

Celso is speculated to start vs. Chile. The 28-year-old was booked in the last game after he came in as a substitute and played 22 minutes. Though he has been effective for the team & would be preferred ahead of Paredes for this game, he needs to play calmly.

He is very effective when he moves up and acts as a CAM, his accurate passing will be crucial for the star-studded forward line to score.

LM: Alexis Mac Allister

The Liverpool star midfielder is expected to serve from the left again. The 25-year-old was too effective for La Albiceleste in the last game. He tried to penetrate the forward line, and turned successful once, providing a much-needed assist to Julian Alvarez to open the score-line for the defending champions.

ST: Lionel Messi

The legend who just turned 37 will lead his nation from the front. Despite missing some initial chances, Messi played a beautiful game in the campaign opener. He took six shots, and provided one assist & one pre-assist.

As it is rightly said that records chase Lionel Messi, in his last match Messi increased his tally to 54 G/A in major international tournaments, making him have the highest goal contributions in major international tournaments.

ST: Julian Alvarez

The young & prolific, lethal No. 9 should be starting again. He opened the accounts for the previous time winners in the first game & would love to score again vs. Chile. He also took three shots in the Canadian defense.

The talented Manchester City striker is however expected to be subbed-off for Lautaro Martinez as the game advances.

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