Argentina tests a new tactical setup before its World Cup opener against Algeria

Argentina, the defending world champion, is preparing to begin its title defense on Tuesday night into Wednesday against Algeria. According to reports in Argentina, coach Lionel Scaloni is facing a major selection dilemma, and at this stage he prefers Lautaro Martinez over Julian Alvarez in the starting lineup.

The most notable change is that Argentina has rehearsed a new formation. The team is expected to start in a 4-4-2 shape, with Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero forming the central defensive line, and Lionel Messi starting as a striker alongside Lautaro Martinez. The main question in that setup is whether Montiel or Nahuel Molina will get the nod.

Argentina also trained in a 5-3-2 system, with Giuliano Simeone and Nico Gonzalez used as wing players and Romero, Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez in defense. That version is described as slightly more attacking, with Alexis Mac Allister pushed into a more advanced role.

The projected lineup is Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel or Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez.