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Messi starts for Argentina in World Cup 2026 Round of 16 against Cape Verde

After coming off the bench against Jordan, Lionel Messi returns to the Argentina starting lineup for the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match against Cape Verde. Cristian Romero, who suffered a knee injury, is also fit to play.

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Messi starts for Argentina in World Cup 2026 Round of 16 against Cape Verde
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Lionel Messi will start for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 against Cape Verde. The number 10 came off the bench in the final group match against Jordan at his own request, as qualification was already secured.

According to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, Messi is expected to resume his attacking partnership with Lautaro Martinez, as in the tournament’s opening matches. The albiceleste captain reclaims his natural place in a lineup that is stabilizing as the knockout stage approaches.

On the defensive front, doubts over Cristian Romero have been cleared. The Tottenham defender, who suffered a knee blow, is fit and retains his place in the center. The only uncertainty concerns the left-back position, where Facundo Medina and Nicolas Tagliafico, both playing in Ligue 1, are competing for a spot in the starting eleven.

Argentina’s probable lineup: E. Martinez — Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Medina or Tagliafico — De Paul, E. Fernandez, MacAllister, Almada — Messi, La. Martinez.

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