Argentina vs Cape Verde Predicted Lineups & Team News

Reigning World Cup champions Argentina face Cape Verde in the round of 32 on Friday (6pm local time/11pm BST, ITV1/STV). La Albiceleste have looked sharp during the group phase, with Lionel Messi continuing to shine on the biggest stage. Cape Verde have defied expectations to progress to the knockouts.

Read on for the latest Argentina vs Cape Verde team news and predicted lineups.

Argentina

He may have started the final group game on the bench but it didn't stop Messi from continuing his scoring streak. The Argentine attacker wrapped up his side's victory against Jordan, taking his tally at the tournament up to six goals.

The veteran superstar has provided 75% of La Albiceleste's goals (6/8) at the 2026 World Cup as he tussles with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane for the Golden Boot.

Messi is expected to come back into the lineup against Cape Verde, as is Alexis Mac Allister, who was also rested last time out. Messi is showing Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez the way to goal, and the latter two will be hoping they can demonstrate their talents now that we've entered the cutthroat knockout phase.

Cristian Romero's knee issue is reportedly not a big concern for Argentina, so he's likely to be restored to the defence on Friday, probably at the expense of Nicolas Otamendi.

Cape Verde

Telmo Arcanjo missed Cape Verde's final group match against Saudi Arabia because of a muscle problem, so his participation here is in doubt. Jamiro Monteiro and Kevin Lenini were able to shake off their respective injuries to feature in that fixture and so they'll be involved in Miami.

Dailon Livramento is yet to open his account at the World Cup finals despite bagging four goals for the Blue Sharks during qualifying.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Argentina vs Cape Verde Odds over on betfred.com

Argentina vs Cape Verde Key Players:

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

How can I look past this wizard? Messi is four years older than he was when he inspired Argentina to their third world title in Qatar and yet he's looking spritely for a 39-year-old footballer.

He's scored the bulk of his country's goals in North America so far and I don't think it's rude to say that the team would seem lost without his skillset. Argentina will of course be heavy favourites here but Cape Verde have proven to be a stubborn outfit that will be looking to try and frustrate their opponents.

Messi's talents will be key in unlocking Cape Verde's back line and I think there may be another goal or two on offer to him here.

Vozinha (Cape Verde)

I'm picking out another old boy to be a key player in this contest and for Cape Verde I've gone with Vozinha. The 40-year-old goalkeeper has been a standout for the Blue Sharks over the past few weeks and he's turned in some fine displays.

We've already seen some strong goalkeeping from various shot-stoppers at this tournament and Vozinha has been one of them. Against Messi and other attackers with pedigree, I think Vozinha will be in for a tough test on Friday and I believe his performance will be vital if his nation are to pull off an upset far greater than their draw against Spain on matchday one.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com