Comfirm lineup
Julian Alvarez start vs Croatia as team news is confirmed
9 mins ago / autty
Lionel Messi has inspired Argentina to the World Cup semi-finals, and the forward once again takes centre stage tonight against Croatia.
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The 35-year-old starts alongside Julian Alvarez, who has been picked ahead of Lautaro Martinez despite the striker scoring the winning penalty against Holland last week.
Angel Di Maria was fit enough only for the bench in Argentina's quarter-final win, and despite an impressive cameo against Holland the 34-year-old remains on the bench, with Leandro Paredes starting instead.
The South American outfit switched to a back three against Holland, with Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez joining Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi in defence.
They have reverted to a back four tonight, however, with Martinez dropping out.
Meanwhile, Marcos Acuna is suspended having picked up his second yellow card of the tournament in Argentina's win over Croatia, with Nicolas Tagliafico therefore starting at left-back from the off.
Right-back Gonzalo Montiel is also suspended, but Nahuel Molina is the first choice regardless and is as expected in the starting lineup.
Confirmed Argentina XI: Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, De Paul, Mac Allister, Messi, Alvarez
Credit Allfootball app