Argentina go into Argentina vs Egypt with a selection call at the centre of the build-up. Lionel Scaloni has dropped Lautaro Martínez for Julián Alvarez, while Lionel Messi keeps producing the kind of tournament return that makes the rest of the attack easier to reshuffle. Argentina have won all three group games, topped Group J on nine points and conceded just once.

Scaloni's selection call

Scaloni has made three changes to the team that eventually overcame Cape Verde last time out, most notably replacing Inter’s Martinez with Atletico’s Alvarez. That is the decision that gives this match its edge. Lautaro is out of the starting XI, Alvarez is in, and the manager is backing a different balance up front with Messi still doing the heavy lifting.

Messi's numbers explain why that flexibility exists. Toby Cudworth said Messi “has again been Argentina’s difference-maker, scoring seven goals—63% of his team’s total.” Argentina also beat Cape Verde 3-2 in injury time in the round of 32, so they arrive with momentum and with the security of a team that has won all three group matches.

Egypt's road and Argentina's control

Egypt have taken a more stubborn route. Three of their four tournament matches ended level after 90 minutes, they qualified second in Group G with five points and needed penalties to get past Australia in the round of 32. That does not make them easy, but it does show why Argentina can afford to think more about structure than panic.

Argentina's 92% pass accuracy and just one goal conceded point to a side that has been able to keep games on its terms. Messi's seven goals are the standout number, but the bigger point here is the selection around him. With Egypt limiting matches and Argentina already through the group stage unbeaten, Scaloni is trusting Julián Alvarez to change the shape without asking Messi to carry everything.

The matchup is scheduled for 2026-07-07, and the only real question left is whether the Alvarez call is a one-off or the clearest sign yet of how Scaloni wants Argentina to look going deeper into the tournament.

Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →