Lisandro's double duty: defend, then start the break
Confirmed XIs in Miami — and Argentina's left-sided centre-back may be the man who unlocks Egypt.
Both coaches reached for the same blueprint: 4-4-2, two banks of four, a pair of strikers each. Argentina push Messi and Julián Álvarez to the front; Egypt reply with Mohamed Salah and Mostafa Ziko.
Keep an eye on Lisandro Martínez. He scored and teed up another in the 3-2 defeat of Cape Verde Islands last time out, and from the left of the back two he's the one who turns a block into a break. Partnered with Romero, that duo must track every drift Salah makes.
The recent stories don't match. Argentina have won each of their previous five; Egypt have shared the spoils in three and claimed just one. The rhythms clash too — Argentina's outings have flowed open, Egypt's stayed tight and low-scoring. Something gives.
The bookmakers are unambiguous: Argentina clear favourites, Egypt the outsiders. Keep it hushed and Salah owns a puncher's chance. Let it crack open, and that Argentine front pair settles matters in a hurry.
Written and fact-checked by our AI preview desk from live match data. Refreshed as kickoff nears.
