Argentina Tests New Setup Before World Cup Opener Against Algeria

World champions Argentina are preparing to begin their title defense on Tuesday night into Wednesday against Algeria, and coach Lionel Scaloni is weighing a significant tactical change. According to the report, Scaloni currently prefers Lautaro Martinez over Julian Alvarez in the starting lineup.

Argentina have also rehearsed an unexpected new formation. The team is expected to start in a 4-4-2, with Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero in central defense, and Lionel Messi leading the attack alongside Lautaro Martinez. The main selection question appears to be whether Montiel or Nahuel Molina will play on the right side.

At the same time, Argentina trained in a 5-3-2 shape, with Giuliano Simeone and Nico Gonzalez used as wing players and Romero, Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez forming the back line. That version is slightly more attacking, and in it Alexis Mac Allister would likely play in a more advanced midfield role.

The likely starting XI 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.