Fifa World Cup: Lautaro Martinez returns for Argentina-Saudi Arabia clash

There were three defensive changes from the Albiceleste’s 5-0 victory against the UAE last week, in their final World Cup warm-up

By AFP

Published: Tue 22 Nov 2022, 2:03 PM

On Tuesday, Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez returned to the Argentina starting line-up as coach Lionel Scaloni made five changes for their World Cup Group C opener against Saudi Arabia.

Martinez replaced Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez in the forward line alongside captain Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, while Alejandro Gomez came in for Alexis Mac Allister in midfield.

There were three defensive changes from last week’s 5-0 thumping of the United Arab Emirates, in the Albiceleste’s final World Cup warm-up.

Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico and Cristian Romero all returned, with Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna and Juan Foyth dropping to the bench.

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Saudi coach Herve Renard kept the same team that lost 1-0 to Croatia in a friendly last week.

Salman Al-Faraj captains the team, despite a recent shoulder injury.

Argentina squad (4-3-3)

Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alejandro Gomez; Lionel Messi (C), Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria

Coach: Lionel Scaloni (ARG)

Saudi Arabia squad (4-3-3)

Mohammed Al-Owais; Saud Abdulhamid, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Ali Al-Bulayhi, Yasser Al-Shahrani; Mohamed Kanno, Abdulelah Al-Malki, Salman Al-Faraj (C); Salem Al-Dawsari, Firas Al-Brikan, Saleh Al-Shehri

Coach: Herve Renard (FRA)

Referee: Slavko Vincic (SLO)