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Argentina arrive in Miami as heavy favorites, and the reigning world champions have done nothing to suggest that tag is wrong.
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Lionel Scaloni’s side swept through Group J with a perfect 3-0 record, beating Algeria 3-0, Austria 2-0 and Jordan 3-1 to enter the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s most convincing teams.
Their Round of 32 matchup against Cape Verde kicks off Friday, July 3, at 6:00 p.m. ET at Miami Stadium.
Lionel Messi has been the driving force behind that run. The Argentina captain sits level with France’s Kylian Mbappe at the top of the Golden Boot race with six goals.
According to Gaston Edul, Cristian “Cuti” Romero is set to start for the defending champions.
Arrancamos la cobertura de Argentina – Cabo Verde por los 16vos de final de la Copa del Mundo.
Cuti Romero va a ser titular.
Lautaro Martínez le saca ventaja a Julián Álvarez. pic.twitter.com/HMsUxuryhH
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— Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) July 3, 2026
The bigger concern heading into Friday was the fitness of Cuti Romero. The defender came off in the 57th minute of Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria with knee discomfort and was left out of the final group stage game against Jordan as a precaution with Nicolas Otamendi filling in.
Argentina supporters had reason to be nervous. Those nerves can settle now. Romero is set to start against Cape Verde after returning to full training on Monday and taking part in Argentina’s tactical sessions in Kansas City before the squad flew to Miami.
His return matters beyond just having another defender available. With Romero at the back, Argentina’s midfield can push forward without constantly worrying about the space left behind them.
Up front, Lautaro Martinez holds the edge over Julian Alvarez for the starting spot. Argentina look close to full strength heading into what should be a comfortable night in Miami.
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Related: Wild Lionel Messi Stat Surfaces Before Argentina vs. Cape Verde
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This story was originally published July 3, 2026 at 9:18 AM.