3 mysteries bother Scalloni ahead of crucial hour against Spain

The pinnacle of the rise to fame

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is working to finalize his starting line-up for the 2026 World Cup final against Spain tomorrow, Sunday, amid three major doubts over the squad expected to chase a second successive title.

According to the website of Argentine TV channel TYC, Scalloni is exploring possible changes ahead of the match at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, four years after Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

As has been the case throughout the tournament, the manager has not made any announcements in the days leading up to the match and the title contenders remain uncertain, although the squad will retain its usual strength.

Molina or Montiel in right back?

The first dilemma revolves around Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel at right back. Although the Atletico Madrid man secured his place throughout the tournament, he was inconsistent in the semi-final against England as the opposition’s goal hit his winger.

On the other hand, the River Plate defender came on in the second half and was at his best, progressing up the field and competing strongly for a place in the starting line-up for the final.

Three-way battle for two positions in the middle

The second dilemma is in the midfield where 3 players fight for only two positions: Rodrigo De Pol, Giuliano Simeone and Nicolas Gonzalez.

After being left out of the starting line-up against England, De Paul proved his worth when he came on as a substitute, and given his impact on the team and the boost he provided in the decisive matches, the ‘little engine’ could return to the starting line-up.

However, Atletico Madrid left-back Gonzalez always remains an option in Scaloni’s calculations and is unlikely to replace Simeone’s son, especially alongside Nicolas Tagliafico with Lamine Yamal needing to limit Pedro Porro’s movements, although the Boca Juniors man currently has the upper hand.

Lo Celso collects Paredes

The third dilemma concerns Giovani Lo Celso, whose chances have increased in the final hours after the last training session, as the Real Betis midfielder received one of the 13 shirts handed out by Scaloni, and he could replace Leandro Paredes, who has not recovered to full fitness.

Possible composition

Based on the available data, it is expected that the starting line-up of Argentina will be as follows.

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez

Defense: Gonzalo Montiel (Nouel Molina), Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico

Midfield: Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul (Nicolas Gonzalez), Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes (Giovanni Lo Celso), Alexis McAllister.

Forwards: Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez

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