Argentina ‘considering two changes’ for England match as Lionel Messi sparks concern

Scaloni could have a surprise or two up his sleeve

As head coach Lionel Scaloni received an update concerning Lionel Messi, Argentina could be set to make some last-minute changes to their starting line-up.

The after-effects of the exhausting quarter-final tie against Switzerland have now taken its toll on the squad fitness of the world champions.

Following the win in Kansas City, Messi missed the first training session as he took a heavy blow to his right eye following a challenge from Granit Xhaka midway through the second half.

After this challenge, the 39-year-old then appeared to be in some discomfort.

Other fitness issues for Scaloni and the Argentina team

Fitness issues for the Argentina boss were also raised as Tottenham defender Cristian Romero and Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes also had to be replaced in extra-time against Switzerland.

All three players, however, are expected to recover or prove their fitness in time to face Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions.

The Argentina squad trained for the final time in Kansas City in a closed session before flying out to Atlanta on Monday evening ahead of the England game.

Scaloni kept everyone guessing, TyC Sports reported, as he didn't field a specific lineup in training and is only prepared to make that decision when they get to grips with their surroundings in the Georgian city.

For four games in a row Scaloni fielded the same starting XI, however there were signs of wear and tear on his players, who looked jaded after three gruelling encounters with Cabo Verde, Egypt and recently Switzerland.

According to the Argentinian outlet, midfield is the area Scaloni is least convinced about.

For the first time at this World Cup for Argentina, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez could start together for the first time, if Messi's fitness takes an adverse turn before kick-off.

Alvarez and Martinez have traded places on the bench as Scaloni looks to keep them as fresh as possible for the majority of the campaign.

Why Messi might not start against England

Messi could be one of the key areas where Scaloni is forced into a change or tweak, as with he’s seemingly suffering from possible burnout.

Meanwhile, to make way for Nicolas Gonzalez, one of Rodrigo De Paul or Alexis Mac Allister, who scored the opening goal in that victory at the iconic Arrowhead Stadium, may be taken out of the starting XI.

However, Mac Allister's know-how may give him the nod here considering that he’s facing some of his former team-mates and Premier League colleagues.

Nahuel Molina's place looks uncertain at the back, as the Atletico Madrid defender started the game before he was replaced by Gonzalo Montiel in the 85th minute.

But Scaloni could choose to start with 2022 World Cup hero Montiel for this game, despite predominantly using Molina throughout the tournament.