Scaloni tests 4-4-2 and 3-5-2 formations for Argentina's World Cup opener

According to TyC, Scaloni tried two formations during the Argentina national team training session.

The Argentina national team is making its final preparations for its opening World Cup match, in which it will face Algeria in Kansas City at 11:00 AM on June 17. While some starting positions appear largely settled, Scaloni has yet to reveal the lineup for the first match. The biggest question mark for the team currently centers on the defense: he has rotated personnel, first trying a four-man back line before then practicing a system with three center-backs and two attacking wing-backs. At present, there is more uncertainty than certainty in Argentina's defense.

In Saturday's training session, Scaloni tried two formations. The first was a 4-4-2, with the defense consisting of Montiel, Cristian Romero, Otamendi, and Lisandro Martinez. Later, Facundo Medina came on at left-back, replacing Romero.

Considering past situations and the opponent’s characteristics, Argentina are likely to begin their World Cup campaign with this formation, although the specific personnel remain unknown. Despite these trials, the possibility of Molina starting as right-back has not been ruled out.

The center-back pairing also remains uncertain. At present, it appears that three players are competing for two spots, though there is also a possibility that all three could start, in which case Lisandro Martinez would play at left-back, a role he has previously filled for Argentina. It should be noted that Tagliafico has suffered a soleus muscle injury in his left leg and will miss at least the match against Algeria.

Scaloni also practiced a 3-5-2 formation, with the two attacking wing-backs being Giuliano Simeone on the right and Nicolas Gonzalez on the left. Romero played as the right center-back, Otamendi as the central sweeping center-back, and Lisandro Martinez as the left center-back.

This formation is usually a solution Scaloni prepares for specific stages of a match, but he is unlikely to use this system from the start, especially with attacking players on both flanks.

The situation in midfield and attack appears clearer. Enzo, Mac Allister, and De Paul are expected to share midfield duties, while the attack will consist of Messi and Lautaro Martinez. With Alvarez, who plays for Atlético Madrid, suffering a ligament injury in his left ankle and missing the previous two warm-up matches, Lautaro Martinez has an advantage in the competition.

For the remaining position, Thiago Almada has an advantage over Giuliano Simeone. Although this player, who came through the Velez Sarsfield youth system, did not have his best season in Simeone's team, his importance to the Argentina national team has steadily increased over the past year thanks to his goals and excellent performances.

Argentina's projected starting lineup: Darmian-Martinez; Molina or Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo, Almada; Messi, Lautaro. Coach: Scaloni.