Argentina’s Fitness Worry — After a 120-Minute Fight vs. Cape Verde, Can They Still Run?

Brothers, the biggest hidden risk for Argentina in this match isn’t tactics, isn’t the lineup—it’s stamina.

In the Round of 32 against Cape Verde, Argentina battled their opponent for 120 minutes. Messi, aged 38, played the entire match, and Di María, also aged 38, played through extra time. Although they ultimately advanced, the physical toll on the players was devastating.

What about Egypt? They also had a penalty shootout, but Egypt’s average age is much younger than Argentina’s. Salah is 34, Mármoush is 27—Egypt’s attacking line is far younger than Argentina’s. Argentina’s older veterans—Messi at 38, Di María at 38, Otamendi at 38—naturally recover more slowly than younger players. Even a few days of rest isn’t enough to fully “get their legs back.”

In the predicted starting XI from Argentina media SI, veterans such as Otamendi, Paredes, and Tagliafico may all start. If the match goes past 60 minutes, Argentina’s older players’ stamina will drop, and Egypt’s younger players can use their speed to pressure and attack Argentina’s back line.

However, Argentina also has one advantage—squad depth is enough. Scaloni has enough substitutes to keep the intensity up. Palacios, Almada, and Garnacho are all young players who can run. If Scaloni uses the substitution slots reasonably, Argentina’s stamina disadvantage can be effectively eased.

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