Lionel Messi extended his World Cup record after returning to the Argentina starting lineup against Cape Verde in the round of 32, becoming the first player in the tournament's history to appear in 30 matches.
The match also marked a special occasion for Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who led the team in his 100th match since taking charge in 2018.
Scaloni restored captain Messi to the starting eleven, fielding Lautaro Martínez alongside him in attack, while Julián Álvarez began the match on the bench.
Argentina's starting lineup featured: Emiliano Martínez, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Lionel Messi, Thiago Almada, and Lautaro Martínez.
Cape Verde made two changes to their lineup, with midfielder Telmo Arcanjo starting on the bench after his participation had been in doubt due to a leg injury, while Sidney Cabral returned to the starting eleven following the suspension that had kept him out of the Saudi Arabia match after accumulating bookings in the Spain and Uruguay games.
Cape Verde's lineup was: Vozinha, Diney Borges, Pico López, Sidney Cabral, Steven Moreira, Kevin Pina, Jovanni Cabral, Diroy Duarte, Larouss Duarte, Ryan Mendes, and Nuno Da Costa.