Argentina predicted starting lineup vs Peru: Copa America 2024
- Argentina vs Peru kicks off on June 29 at 8 p.m. ET
- Lionel Scaloni will give multiple players their first starts at Copa America 2024 against Peru
- Lionel Messi will not play the final Group A fixture
Argentina's starting lineup against Peru at Copa America 2024 will feature plenty of new faces, including Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho, as Lionel Messi and co. rest before the quarter-finals.
After Argentina defeated Chile 1-0 on Tuesday night, the reigning Copa America champions qualified for the quarter-finals, making their final Group A fixture against Peru nothing more than a formality. Instead of risking injuries or suspensions ahead of the first knockout match, Lionel Scaloni is giving many of his traditional starters the night off.
Most notably, Lionel Messi will not play against Peru. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner needed treatment to his groin area in the first half against Chile and is said to be dealing with a minor injury. As Argentina's captain sits out, young players will get the chance to shine at Copa America 2024.
Here's what Argentina's starting XI could look like against Peru on June 29.
Argentina predicted lineup vs Peru (4-3-3)
GK: Franco Armani - Armani will likely make his 20th international cap against Peru as Lionel Scaloni gives Emiliano Martinez a rest before the quarter-finals.
RB: Gonzalo Montiel - Molina might have the starting right-back job, but Montiel will get to return to the right flank where he helped Argentina win their 15th Copa America title in 2021.
CB: Nicolás Otamendi - Although Otamendi lost his long-time starting spot alongside Romero now that Lisandro Martinez's is fully fit, the center-back will start on Saturday for what could be the first and last time this tournament.
CB: German Pezzella - Pezzella adds depth to Argentina's defense at Copa America 2024, and the Real Betis man will finally get a chance to start for his country this year.
LB: Nicolás Tagliafico - Acuna is suffering from minor muscle discomfort, so Tagliafico will get his second straight start at left-back.
CM: Valentin Carboni - Carboni received his first senior call-up to the national squad in March 2022, and the 19-year-old could very well get his third international cap after an impressive season for Monza in Serie A.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister - Mac Allister brings an experienced composure to an otherwise untested midfield against Peru. Should Scaloni want to give Enzo Fernandez more time on the pitch, though, the Liverpool midfielder could be another one of Argentina's rested players on Saturday.
CM: Exequiel Palacios - Fresh off winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, Palacios should get an opportunity to make his first appearance in this summer's tournament. The midfielder recorded six goals and six assists for his club in the 2023/24 season.
RW: Angel Di Maria - Di Maria only played 17 minutes plus stoppage time against Chile, which means the World Cup winner will be ready to play significant minutes on Saturday to help his supporting cast find the back of the net.
ST: Lautaro Martínez - Martinez arguably should have started the last two Copa America matches, especially after the striker scored in both games as a late substitute. He will look to keep his goalscoring streak going against Peru.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho - Garnacho had a breakout season for Manchester United, scoring nine goals for his club, including the opener in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. The winger gets his first start for Argentina this summer in their final Group Stage fixture.