Last FIFA World Cup tournament for Lionel Messi begins today at 5:00 am (ET). All eyes will be on the Argentine captain Leo Messi as he is one of the most famous and talented player worldwide.
Argentina will be playing their group stage in Group C with Saudi Arbia, Mexico, Poland as their opponents.The Albiceleste are most favorable to finish atop the group but they have to earn that position.
Argentina went in 2014 World Cup Finals but they lost to Germany and this time they will try as hard as possible to bounce back and give their captain the World Cup trophy as a farewell gift.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is ready to take on Argentina with full preparation as they are in good form which we noted when they finished at the top of their Asian final round qualification table.
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia History:
These two teams have met only once before, back in a 2012 friendly when they played to a 0-0 draw. Messi and Di Maria both started in that match and played the full 90 minutes.
Saudi Arabia have reached the knockout stage once in their five previous World Cup trips, back in 1994, their first World Cup appearance.
Messi is first in Ligue 1 in successful dribbles this season with 47, 10 more than any other player in the league. His success rate (60%) is also higher than any of the players in the top five most successful dribbles.
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia Prediction:
After Lionel Scaloni got Argentina in his hands team has improved leaps and bounds and with Messi as captain most favors go into Argentina’s side.
But, many people are betting that they will not even score 1 goal. So, Saudi Arabia must not be underestimated and Argentina have to prov themselves on field as their World Cup performances had not been of their regular standards.
“I think I come here in really good form both personally and physically. I have no issues whatsoever,” Messi told a pre-match news conference.
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia Starting XI:
Argentina Projected Starting XI:
Formation (4-3-3)
E. Martinez (GK) ,Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna ,De Paul, Paredes, Mac Allister, Messi, Martinez, Di Maria
Saudi Arbia Projeted Starting XI:
Formation (4-5-1)
Al Owais (GK) ,Al Ghannam, Madu, Al Amri, Al Shahrani , Al Faraj, Kanno, Otayf, Bahebri, Al Dawsari, Al Buraikan
