Argentina Vs Colombia

Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine footballer, is expected to be named in the starting lineup for Argentina’s crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying fixture against Colombia. The match is scheduled to take place on Tuesday evening at Estadio Monumental—a venue steeped in footballing history and affectionately known by fans as “El Monumental.” In this blockbuster showdown, the Albiceleste captain will once again lead the charge, aiming to maintain Argentina’s momentum and propel his side further ahead in South American qualification.

In Argentina’s previous qualifier, Messi was substituted on during the second half after about 57 minutes of play, replacing Nico Paz. He clocked in just under an hour of competitive action, which allowed him to remain partially rested while still making a significant contribution. However, tactical and strategic planning now suggest that the former Barcelona maestro and current Inter Miami forward will begin the contest from the kickoff against “La Tricolor,” Colombia’s national team. With six goals already registered in the qualification campaign, Messi is intent on adding to that tally and reaffirming his position as the top scorer.

Manager Lionel Scaloni has assembled a formidable squad and is preparing to unleash a potent attacking unit. Expectations are that Messi will occupy the “number 10” role, orchestrating play behind the lead striker Julian Álvarez. Álvarez delivered the decisive goal in their last outing against Chile, demonstrating precise finishing, clinical composure, and irreplaceable confidence—traits Scaloni will be eager to tap into once more. Messi’s creativity and vision, combined with Álvarez’s hunger and positional intelligence, make for a formidable front pairing.

In making his lineup decisions, Scaloni is reportedly mindful of the need to preserve the physical condition and manage the minutes of Lautaro Martínez. Martínez has just recovered from a thigh injury and was included in Inter Milan’s squad for the Champions League final. However, his performance in that game—marked by lacklustre mobility and signs of fatigue—suggested that he might not yet be at full match sharpness. Thus, in this qualifier against Colombia, Scaloni appears inclined to keep Martínez on the bench to avoid risking a relapse or underperformance stemming from exertion.

On the wings, the duo of Giuliano Simeone and Thiago Almada is all but guaranteed to reprise their roles. Almada, in particular, impressed with his contribution in the win over Chile, delivering a beautiful assist for Álvarez’s winning strike. His pairing with Simeone on the flanks provides the team with a seamless combination of pace, technical prowess, creativity, and directness. Both players have seamlessly integrated into Scaloni’s system, and they are expected to remain on the field as part of Argentina’s typical offensive approach.

Anchoring the midfield, Exequiel Palacios and Rodrigo De Paul are slated to continue their partnership. In the victory over Chile, De Paul posted a remarkable passing success rate: he completed 99 out of 104 attempted passes, and crafted two key chances. His playmaking abilities were particularly noticeable in the final third, where he completed nine passes and connected on six of eight long-range balls. His performance was a standout, as he single-handedly balanced control, creativity, and security, which provided Argentina with both defensive solidity and offensive fluency from midfield.

Palacios, playing alongside De Paul, did not possess the same distribution influence but compensated through sheer effort and defensive determination. Alternately composed and combative, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder recorded 10 ball recoveries and won five of six duels. His industriousness off the ball—in intercepting passes, tracking runners, and winning aerial contests—added a deeply physical dimension to Argentina’s mid-block, allowing more creative teammates to operate with freedom and confidence.

Looking at the defensive shape, Scaloni is expected to retain the same back line that showed resilience and cohesion in previous matches. Nahuel Molina is anticipated to feature at right-back, where he has impressed with athleticism, stamina, and forward runs. On the opposite side, Nico Tagliafico is likely to reinforce the left flank, injecting balance with his defensive intervention and tactical awareness. In central defense, Cristian Romero and Leonardo Balerdi form the heart of the defence. Romero brings grit, aggression, and leadership, while Balerdi, an impressive young talent in his own right, offers height, composure, and an ability to play the ball out from the back. This quartet at the back is expected to deliver resilience, discipline, and tactical understanding to thwart Colombia’s attacking threats.

Between the sticks, Emiliano Martínez remains the undisputed choice. Since taking over as Argentina’s goalkeeper, Martínez has been a pillar of certainty and calm, producing countless match-defining interventions—including a penalty shootout heroics in the 2022 World Cup final. His match awareness, reflexes, and shot-stopping ability, along with his capacity to organize the back line, make him the obvious selection for a high-stakes qualifier such as this.

It’s worth noting that Argentina has already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup. However, this fixture is far from a dead rubber. Every match is still valuable for maintaining international ranking, fine-tuning combinations, keeping competitive edge, and creating a sense of urgency. Scaloni’s inclination toward consistency suggests he will stick with the lineup that has delivered results, whilst being mindful not to overexert key players.

Messi’s continued involvement—especially from kickoff—underscores not only his unique standing in the team but also Scaloni’s belief in his enduring quality, even as he turns 38 in 2025. Messi, the talismanic figure whose vision, ball control, and game intelligence remain unparalleled, has already cemented his legacy with a World Cup win in 2022. These qualifiers offer another stage for him to demonstrate leadership, class, and determination—aiming to inspire a team with genuine global aspirations again.

Since securing qualification, every appearance—including this one at Estadio Monumental—carries weight in terms of form-building, team cohesion, and tactical reaffirmation. Messi’s presence from the outset will set the tone, while the midfield duo offers a balanced core in possession and out. The flanks provide width and unpredictability, and the back four—protected by Martínez—promise solidity. Meanwhile, Álvarez’s role up top ensures a clear goal threat.

The match against Colombia will be broadcast live, and all eyes will be on how Messi manipulates the tempo, finds space, and feeds those around him. His pursuit of another goal underscores his enduring influence. Meanwhile, each other player will be working to maintain his rhythm, mental sharpness, and competitive edge in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup.

As fans and analysts alike pore over tactics, substitutions, and match flow, the general consensus is that maintaining consistency in selection fosters confidence and sharpness. Scaloni, having overseen Argentina’s tactical evolution, is expected to continue with his tried-and-tested formula—starting the right personnel, balancing ambition and caution, and ensuring every player grasps his tactical role before the jump to the biggest stage in 2026.

All in all, Tuesday night’s showdown against Colombia isn’t just another qualifier—it’s a stabilizing fixture. It marks the next step in Argentina’s journey, providing a platform for Messi and his teammates to keep elevating performance, building partnerships, and refining tactics. With everything on track and qualification sealed, the focus shifts to dominance: maintaining top form, enhancing match sharpness, and asserting continental supremacy—one fixture at a time.