Lionel Messi returns for Argentina vs Cape Verde as groups and full line ups are confirmed, TV channel, stay on-line stream and stats

Argentina’s first World Cup 2026 knockout match pits the reigning champions towards Cape Verde in Miami on Friday.

Lionel Messi will likely be seeking to proceed his scintillating kind, beginning the competition as joint-top scorer on the finals alongside France’s Kylian Mbappe.

Cape Verde have already brought about a shock by holding Spain to a 0-0 draw of their first-ever World Cup match, continuing to complete the group stage unbeaten on 5 factors.

The winners of the tie will face Australia or Egypt, whose last-32 match kicks off 4 hours earlier, within the final 16 in Atlanta on Tuesday (17:00 BST).

𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹 2026: 𝗗𝗶𝗮 4️⃣4️⃣

SUBSCREVA NO NOSSO CANAL NO YOUTUBE https://t.co/ykd5P5D1Gl

—– #FIFAWorldCup | #FIFAWorldCup2026 | #CaboVerde | #TubarõesAzuis | #WeAreCaboVerde pic.twitter.com/JXeyrYNVlR

— Federação Cabo-verdiana de Futebol (@fcfcomunica) July 2, 2026

World Cup 2026: Argentina confirmed crew vs Cape Verde

Messi returns in certainly one of 9 Argentina adjustments from their 3-1 win over Jordan on matchday three, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and ahead Lautaro Martinez the pair retained.

Argentina beginning XI: Emiliano Martinez, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Lionel Messi, Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martinez

Argentina substitutes: Juan Musso, Geronimo Rulli, Marcos Senesi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Otamendi, Leandro Paredes, Valentin Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Nico Gonzalez, Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz, Jose Manuel Lopez

World Cup 2026: Cape Verde full line up vs Argentina

Sidny Lopes Cabral, Steven Moreira, Jovane Cabral, Laros Duarte and Nuno Da Costa are available for Cape Verde, with Wagner Pina, Joao Paulo, Jamiro Monteiro, Willy Semedo and Dailon Livramento shifting to the bench from their 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia.

Cape Verde beginning XI: Vozinha, Diney Borges, Pico Lopes, Sidny Lopes Cabral, Steven Moreira, Kevin Pina, Jovane Cabral, Deroy Duarte, Laros Duarte, Nuno Da Costa, Ryan Mendes

Cape Verde substitutes: Marcio Rosa, Cj Dos Santos, Stopira, Logan Costa, Wagner Pina, Kelvin Pires, Joao Paulo, Jamiro Monteiro, Garry Rodrigues, Yannick Semedo, Willy Semedo, Telmo Arcanjo, Helio Varela, Gilson Benchimol, Dailon Livramento