Scaloni Decides Between Almada and Lautaro for Upcoming Venezuela Match

Lionel Scaloni has one lineup decision before Argentina’s match against Venezuela, according to Olé. The World Cup-winning coach will reveal his starting team after Wednesday’s final training session, with the only uncertainty being whether Thiago Almada or Lautaro Martínez will fill the last spot. The qualifier is set for Thursday at 8:30 p.m. at Estadio Monumental.

Scaloni did not set a starting team during Tuesday’s session but talked to several players individually. Julián Álvarez, now at Atlético Madrid, seems ready to lead the attack alongside Lionel Messi. The decision between Almada and Lautaro will influence the team’s formation: including Almada would add a fourth midfielder next to Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, and Giovani Lo Celso, while Lautaro would mean a three-forward setup.

Almada, 24, has performed well recently for the national team and is adjusting nicely in his first season in Spain. Lautaro, captain of Inter Milan, is trying to keep his position as Messi’s partner in attack.

Alexis Mac Allister arrived late from England and is expected to be on the bench after a recent muscle issue, even though he played for Arsenal last weekend. In defense, Nicolás Otamendi missed full training and worked indoors, but the staff is confident he will play alongside Cristian Romero.

The anticipated lineup includes Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso, with either Almada or Lautaro Martínez; plus Messi and Álvarez up front.