Lionel Scaloni Must Choose Between Almada and Alvarez for Key Egypt Match

On Jul 6, 2026

Argentina came into the World Cup with a decent run of form. Lionel Scaloni’s side won 18 games, drew 2 and lost 4 of its qualifiers. La Albiceleste scored 30 goals and conceded 11 in the process.

However, their World Cup campaign got off to an electric start, with Lionel Messi scoring 6 goals to guide them to three straight wins in the Group Stage.

But it was not all rosy as Argentina labored to beat a resilient Cape Verde team. Argentina might have won the game but their performance raised questions about their credentials as World Cup contenders.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni looks on from the sideline before the game against Venezuela. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

There are some glaring issues with this Argentina side. The pressing, one of their biggest strengths, hasn’t been as effective as it used to be. Also, the age-old problem is starting to get exposed again: over-reliance on Messi to provide that change of pace.

Lionel Scaloni has always been tactically flexible. But, there are questions he needs to answer. The biggest one is whether Thiago Almada or Julian Alvarez should start.

According to Gaston Edul, Thiago Almada’s place in the starting XI is in doubt for the Egypt game. Lionel Scaloni is not one to shy away from a tactical adjustment in the middle of a tournament. Argentina’s coach benched Lautaro Martinez at the 2022 World Cup to start Julian Alvarez.

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