Argentina lineup vs. Spain: Predicted XI for World Cup 2026 final as Lionel Scaloni makes double change

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni could make two changes to his starting XI for Sunday's World Cup 2026 final against Spain at the MetLife Stadium.

The reigning champions exhibited tremendous powers of recovery once again to take down England 2-1 in the semi-finals, thanks to yet another masterful showing from the evergreen Lionel Messi.

While unable to test Jordan Pickford himself, the 39-year-old laid on the assists for both of Argentina's late goals, fired in by Lautaro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez.

And Scaloni did not completely rule out the prospect of Messi playing at the 2030 World Cup aged 43, telling reporters: "I don't know, what do I know?

"You'd have to ask him. No, I have no idea. I don't know what to tell you because it never ceases to amaze, but it's a question for him, not for me. I haven't spoken to him about it."

Martinez has undoubtedly made his case to demote Julian Alvarez to the bench, but the Inter Milan marksman should be consigned to a super-sub role again, as Scaloni sticks with the Messi-Alvarez partnership.

However, the diminutive Giuliano Simeone failed to make the desired impact in the semi-final, unlike Rodrigo De Paul, who registered two key passes and created one big chance after coming on.

De Paul should therefore make a swift return to the XI alongside Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister and Fernandez in a fearsome bank of four, and Scaloni should consider an alteration on the same side of the backline too.

Nahuel Molina was found wanting against Anthony Gordon and Djed Spence on Wednesday, so Gonzalo Montiel - who memorably scored the winning penalty in the 2022 final - can feel optimistic of a promotion to the starting lineup.

Scaloni was asked about the right-back situation in his pre-game press conference, and the Argentina boss unsurprisingly kept his cards close to his chest, responding: "They're in the same position as in all the matches.

"You know how the games went: we rotated them, trying to share the playing time, and we'll see how they are for Sunday. We haven't had much time to train because we arrived back at eleven last night.

"Today we shortened training a bit because we had to come to the press conference, so tomorrow will be an important training session so we can talk to them and see how they are, but, in principle, they're all fine."

Argentina were forced to delay their training session on Saturday due to storms in New Jersey, but the Albiceleste eventually made their way onto the practice pitches after Spain had to postpone their own warm-up.

Argentina possible starting lineup:

E. Martinez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez

> Click here to see how Spain could line up against Argentina in the World Cup 2026 final