At the back, Scaloni's first-choice goalkeeper is undoubtedly going to be Emiliano Martinez. Martinez has simply outclassed every other player in his position and currently has no real competition from other keepers.
In defense, Scaloni has preferred a four-man backline and has consistently started the center-back pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero, with Nicolas Otamendi coming off the bench and Leonardo Balerdi of Marseille as another option.
In the wider areas, Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico are Scaloni’s preferred choices and are expected to start once again.
Meanwhile, the midfield and forward lines will be a rather interesting domain for the world champions. Rodrigo De Paul is expected to retain his place in the starting XI, alongside Alexis Mac Allister, who is another undroppable player in Scaloni’s system. The third midfield spot will be closely contested, as both Thiago Almada and Enzo Fernandez have made strong cases. Enzo played a key role in Argentina’s 2022 triumph, while Almada has been hugely impressive under Scaloni in recent months. As it stands, Fernandez could edge his way into the starting XI.
Up front, Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez are expected to be undisputed starters, while Lautaro Martinez will be confident of making the starting line-up as well.
Predicted Argentina starting XI (4-3-3): Emi Martinez; Molina, Lisandro, Romero, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, Lautaro, Alvarez