Overview
- Scaloni will manage his 100th match in charge when Argentina face Cape Verde in the World Cup round of 32 on Friday.
- Scaloni publicly urged caution about Cape Verde, saying they have frustrated stronger teams and will make life difficult for Argentina.
- Lionel Messi is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested in the final group game and he leads the tournament scoring charts.
- Argentine media report three selection doubts — Otamendi versus Romero at centre back, Tagliafico versus Medina at left back, and Álvarez versus Lautaro up front — with Romero said to be fit after training and Álvarez carrying a recent ankle issue.
- Cape Verde advanced to the knockouts in their World Cup debut by drawing all three group games, including a 0-0 with Spain and a 2-2 with Uruguay, a path that explains Argentina’s cautious approach and keeps Scaloni’s squad-management choices central to their title defence.