Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi will kick off his fifth World Cup campaign on Tuesday, as the Argentina national team will meet Saudi Arabia for its group stage opener.
Messi and the rest of the Argentina squad have been preparing well for this matchup against Saudi Arabia. From their 5-0 friendly win over the United Arab Emirates to the multiple training sessions that they have held as of late, the reigning Copa America champions have gone all out to prepare for their biggest match of the year.
As noted by TyC Sports, Messi could very well be accompanied by two former PSG teammates in the starting 11 on Tuesday.
Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; De Paul, Paredes, Mac Allister; Messi, Martinez, Di Maria
PSG loanee Leandro Paredes dealt with several nagging ailments over the first half of the season, but he has been injury-free over the past few weeks. He may end up being called on to start as the main central defensive midfielder for Argentina against Saudi Arabia.
Barring a major surprise, Argentina national team manager Lionel Scaloni will pencil in Juventus forward Angel Di Maria and Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez to tag along with Messi in the attack on Tuesday.
Overall, Messi has recorded at least one goal contribution in his five appearances for La Albiceleste.
