Argentina vs Colombia: Messi and Álvarez Headline World Cup Qualifier Lineups

Messi, Álvarez, and a Stacked Argentina Squad Face a Gritty Colombia Side

The pressure is heating up as Argentina prepares for a must-win clash in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Lionel Messi is in the starting lineup from the first whistle this time, after easing in off the bench against Chile. That decision alone has fans and analysts buzzing. Alongside Messi is Julián Álvarez, whose recent goal-scoring form makes him the ideal partner up front. Scaloni isn’t holding anything back for this one.

Emiliano Martínez keeps his spot as goalkeeper, commanding a defense that combines experience with youth. Nahuel Molina and Facundo Medina are patrolling the flanks, while Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi shut things down in the center. The absence of Nicolás Tagliafico, who’s out due to suspension, shifts extra responsibility onto Medina and Otamendi to keep things solid at the back.

Midfield looks just as formidable—Enzo Fernández and Leandro Paredes return after serving suspensions, giving Argentina’s engine room some much-needed grit and creativity. Rodrigo De Paul, always tireless, partners them along with Thiago Almada, who gets his first big start of this qualification campaign. Together, they aim to set the pace, bottling up Colombia’s midfield and providing a steady link to Messi and Álvarez in attack.

Argentina does have a few holes to patch. Besides Tagliafico, they’re missing Gonzalo Martínez, another creative spark, so Scaloni will depend on his big names to make the difference in the attacking third. But with a hungry Messi in Argentina colors and Álvarez buzzing around, it’s a frontline designed to break down even the stubbornest defenses. Fans are eager to see if this duo can gel right away or if Colombia’s defenders will find a way to frustrate them.

Colombia Lean on Díaz, But Absences Cloud Their Hopes

Colombia’s camp hasn’t had the luck they wanted. Injuries have knocked out several starters, including Jhon Jader Durán, Johan Mojica, Juan Quintero, Jhon Córdoba, and Rafael Santos Borre. That’s a lot of firepower lost. Still, Liverpool’s Luis Díaz is back, and that helps a lot—his return gives them hope of unlocking an Argentine back line that’s rarely rattled.

Kevin Mier stands between the posts, facing arguably his toughest assignment yet. Daniel Muñoz, Jhon Lucumi, Davinson Sánchez, and Deiver Machado make up a defense that has its work cut out for it—especially dealing with that Messi-Álvarez combo. The midfield is a mix of power and finesse, anchored by Kevin Castaño and Jefferson Lerma. Richard Rios is tasked with plugging any leaks, while James Rodríguez, the old maestro, remains the man Colombia needs for moments of magic and control.

Up front, Díaz teams up with Jaminton Campaz. No surprises here, as all eyes will be on Díaz to produce something special. But without their usual attacking supporting cast, Colombia must work with what they have, hoping for a disciplined shape and maybe a moment or two of individual brilliance to keep their qualifying hopes alive.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Argentina looks to assert dominance at home, making the most of their superstars, while Colombia is fighting to stay in the race despite missing key players. Both squads have reasons to feel confident—and plenty to worry about—as the whistle approaches.