FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi starts, Lautaro benched as Argentina make three changes against Egypt

Atlanta: Lionel Scaloni made three changes to his starting XI for Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 clash against Egypt on Tuesday; Lautaro Martinez remained on the bench and Julian Alvarez entered the lineup.

Nicolas Tagliafico and Leandro Paredes also return to the starting 11, replacing Facundo Medina and Thiago Almada.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan made two changes, replacing Omar Marmoush and Hamdy Fathy with Haissem Hassan and midfielder Mohanad Lasheen.

Argentina booked their place in the last 16 after a dramatic 3-2 stoppage time win over Cape Verde, while Egypt went ahead by defeating Australia in a penalty shoot-out after the match ended 1-1.

The winner of the tie will face Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals.

Teams:

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
Egypt: Mostafa Shoubir; Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Ramy Rabia, Karim Hafez; Mohanad Lashin, Emam Ashour, Marawan Attia, Mostafa Zico; Mohammed Salah, Haissem Hassan.