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Lionel Messi is the only undisputed player in the national team for the coach, his teammates, the board, the fans, and the specialists. However, the forward would not start in the Argentina vs. Jamaica, the second and final friendly match of the national team in September.
The 'captain' of the 'Albiceleste' shone against Honduras last Saturday. In that game, he played the full 90 minutes and scored a double. With that performance, he confirmed that he is excited about Qatar 2022 and asked the fans to remain calm, despite understanding their anxiousness for the World Cup.
The Lionel Scaloni's team continued with their activities to face the 'Reggae Boyz'. In fact, during the last Monday practice, the Argentine coach worked on the details regarding the squad that will play in New Jersey, but with the doubt of Leo Messi.
Why wouldn't Messi start with Argentina?
According to information from TyC Sports, Lionel Messi has the flu. In fact, this discomfort prevented the striker from training normally during the final session. In addition, Scaloni's technical staff reduced the workload with the captain's health in mind.
In this context, the 'Albiceleste's' '10' may start on the bench. Although it is a fact that the national team's coach will wait for the player's improvement to determine if he can start from the initial whistle in the United States.
Who would replace Messi and the changes in Argentina?
If Leo Messi's condition does not improve in the next few hours, Julián Álvarez is the leading candidate to take the place of the national team's leader. The Manchester City player would be part of the attacking trio along with Lautaro Martínez and Ángel Di María.
Furthermore, with the intention of giving everyone a chance, Scaloni plans to make modifications to the lineup that faced Honduras. Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Guido Rodríguez, and Di María will replace Gerónimo Rulli, Germán Pezzella, Lisandro Martínez, Leandro Paredes, and Alejandro Gómez, respectively.
The Argentina coach has a couple of doubts in the right-back and midfield positions. Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel can play on the right flank, and Alexis Mac Allister or Rodrigo de Paul can occupy the center of the field.
Probable lineup of the Argentina national team
Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel, Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Talgiafico; Rodrigo De Paul or Alexis Mac Allister, Guido Rodríguez, Giovani Lo Celso; Lionel Messi or Julián Alvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Ángel Di María.
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