Argentina “considering two changes” for match against England as concerns grow over Lionel Messi

Argentina face England in the World Cup semi-finals in Atlanta on Wednesday night, but there are question marks over their talisman Lionel Messi

Argentina could make a last-minute change to their starting XI for their semi-final match against England after manager Lionel Scaloni received an update on Lionel Messi. The world champions overcame a tough battle by winning 3-1 in overtime in the quarterfinals against Switzerland, but the aftereffects of that victory are having a negative impact on the team’s physical strength.

Messi missed the first practice session after the hard-fought victory in Kansas City. The 39-year-old appeared to be in some discomfort after sustaining a large bruise to his right eye midway through the second half following a challenge from Granit Xhaka.

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero and Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes were also substituted in extra time against Switzerland, causing some fitness issues for the Argentina coach. However, all three players are expected to recover or prove their fitness in time to face Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions.

The Argentine national team trained for the final time in a closed session in Kansas City before departing for Atlanta on Monday night.

According to TyC Sports, Scaloni did not use specific players in training, which has led to speculation, and he is prepared to make a decision only after understanding the environment in the Georgian city.

He made the same start for four games in a row, but the players showed signs of fatigue after three tough encounters against Cape Verde, Egypt and recently Switzerland. Argentine media added that the area in which Scaloni is least confident is midfield.

If Messi falls ill before kick-off, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez could start together for the first time in this tournament. Argentina took the lead in the 112th minute with a stunning curler from Alvarez, before Martinez sealed the win in stoppage time.

Alvarez and Martinez swapped spots on the bench for much of the season as Scaloni tries to keep his side as fresh as possible.

However, Messi appears to be suffering from possible burnout, which could be one of the key areas that Scaloni will be forced to make changes or tweaks to.

Either Rodrigo De Paul or Alexis Mac Allister, who scored the opening goal in the iconic Arrowhead Stadium win, could be left out of the starting XI in favor of Nicolas Gonzalez. But Mac Allister’s know-how could give him the nod when it comes to playing against his former team-mates and Premier League colleagues.

At the back, Nahuel Molina’s position is uncertain. The Atletico Madrid defender started the match and was replaced in the 85th minute by Gonzalo Montiel.

However, despite having mainly used Molina throughout the World Cup, Scaloni may choose to start Montiel for this game.

“We could have played better, but what this team did is historic. To get to the semifinals again is historic,” he said. “This is a privileged space in the world of football, and it is no easy feat. We are happy and excited right now. We want to see it through to the very last drop of sweat.”

Mr. Scaloni was somewhat negative about the historical background of the team facing England in the World Cup finals. “The message is this is a football game, that’s all I can say,” he added.

“We’re going to play a very tough opponent. They have a good coach and it’s a football game and that’s it.”

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