Argentina will face Spain in the FIFA World Cup final today, and speculation has intensified over the Albiceleste’s likely starting XI ahead of the all-important match. A decision by coach Lionel Scaloni during the final training session has sparked fresh debate.
Argentina’s final practice session was scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. local New Jersey time (9:30 p.m. Bangladesh time) on Saturday. However, it started 45 minutes later than planned due to rain and thunderstorms. Players first trained in the gym before taking to the field once the weather cleared.
During the session, Scaloni, as is customary, handed out training “bibs” (special jerseys) to 13 players. The surprise came when, instead of Nahuel Molina, the bib went to Gonzalo Montiel. Molina had played a part in setting up Argentina’s only goal against England in the semi-final. Scaloni later pulled Molina from the session and had Montiel drop out as well, fueling speculation of a possible change at right-back in the starting XI — though the Argentina coach has not yet officially confirmed his lineup.
Giovani Lo Celso and Rodrigo De Paul were also given training bibs, alongside the 10 outfield players who started against England in the last match. Lo Celso appears to be the clear frontrunner for a starting spot, while De Paul may have to compete with Giuliano Simeone for a place in the XI.
Spain, meanwhile, had hoped to fit in last-minute preparations ahead of the final. Their practice session was initially postponed due to poor weather, and when conditions failed to improve, it was ultimately called off altogether. Argentina, by contrast, managed to complete their session as planned, despite the delay.
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina kicks off at 1am tonight.
