Argentina at a glance
Argentina defend their 2022 World Cup title in Group J with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. The group is favorable, but Austria and Algeria are capable opponents. Argentina face a unique challenge: balancing the legacy of Messi's final potential tournament with a new generation ready to carry the mantle.
Group J fixtures
- Argentina vs Algeria — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City (17 June, 01:00 UTC).
- Argentina vs Austria — AT&T Stadium, Arlington (22 June, 17:00 UTC).
- Jordan vs Argentina — AT&T Stadium, Arlington (28 June, 02:00 UTC).
Key players to watch
- Lionel Messi (FW) — likely final World Cup; at 39, his presence is symbolic and competitive.
- Julián Álvarez (FW) — Manchester City forward; young, aggressive, and a primary goal threat.
- Lautaro Martínez (FW) — Inter Milan striker; lethal finisher in and around the box.
- Nicolás Tagliafico (DEF) — left-back; leadership and ball progression from deep define Argentina's build-up.
- Enzo Fernández (MID) — Chelsea midfielder; energy, press triggers, and technical quality stabilize midfield.
- Gonzalo Montiel (DEF) — right-back; discipline and recovery speed prevent wide overloads.
Predicted starting lineups
Official starting lineups will be confirmed closer to kick-off. The XI below reflects the predicted selection based on current form and squad news.
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
Argentina squad overview
Goalkeepers: Martínez, Rulli, Gómez. Defenders: Otamendi, Romero, Martínez, Tagliafico, Montiel, Molina, Balerdi, Barco. Midfielders: Fernández, De Paul, Mac Allister, Lo Celso. Forwards: Messi, Álvarez, Martínez, González, Simeone, López.
Tournament path
Argentina will likely top Group J. A top-two finish draws the Group I runner-up (France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway) in round of 32. If Messi features, every Argentina match carries historical weight regardless of opponent.
Strengths
- Technical ball progression — Messi, Fernández, and De Paul combine for elite retention and switching.
- Finishing precision — Álvarez and Martínez are among the tournament's best strikers.
- Tournament experience — defending champions with 2022 core intact (Messi, De Paul, Martínez, Tagliafico, Montiel).
- Defensive organization — Argentina's shape is disciplined and difficult to penetrate against positional play.
Weaknesses
- Center-back decline — Otamendi and Romero are aging; successor depth is shallow.
- Midfield physicality — compared to European teams, Argentina lack the engine for extended pressing.
- Goalkeeper uncertainty — Martínez is aging; succession planning is unclear.
- Messi dependency burden — even a 39-year-old Messi carries expectation; if he underperforms, morale can collapse.
Predictor strategy
Argentina are heavy favorites against Algeria and Jordan; confidently pick Argentina wins. Austria is competitive — expect a tight scoreline, possibly 1-0 or 2-1. Messi is a premium goalscorer pick in the opener; Álvarez and Martínez offer value in all fixtures. Late group matches depend on positioning — if Argentina clinch early, rotation is likely.