Argentina's gruelling World Cup schedule a concern for Scaloni

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said sides should be given more rest in the final stages of the World Cup as the defending champions face a gruelling schedule in the knockout phases.

Should the national team progress to the final, they face five games in 17 days, putting an extra demand on 39-year-old Lionel Messi to maintain his flying start to the World Cup.

Messi has scored seven times in the Albiceleste's four wins so far, but they were pushed by Cape Verde on Friday before prevailing 3-2 after extra-time.

The extra 30 minutes in searing Miami heat was not ideal for Scaloni with many of his players ending the game with cramp.

However, Argentina do appear to a have a kind route to at the semi-finals. They face Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday and will take on Colombia or Switzerland if they progress to the last eight.

"As you get closer to the end, with more matches played, you need more rest, yet the opposite is happening," Scaloni said at his pre-match press conference.

"We played in Miami the other day in that heat and now we’re playing tomorrow at noon. The rest period isn't ideal.

"I think Egypt has had a few more hours [to recover], not a huge difference, but I believe that as the World Cup reaches its final stages, rest becomes even more crucial."

Argentina survived a real scare from Cape Verde, who twice came from behind, before Diney Borges' own goal in the 111th minute edged Scaloni's men through.

Since then Brazil and Portugal have joined Germany and the Netherlands in crashing out of the competition.

Scaloni believes the unique challenges of a tournament spread across three countries and 16 host cities, across various time zones and wildly different climates is allowing smaller sides to compete.

"This World Cup is challenging – the travel, the heat, the pitches," added Scaloni.

"There are many factors preventing any single team from clearly standing out as the overwhelming favourite, even though the usual favourites remain.

"France really struggled against Paraguay the other day and not just because of Paraguay's quality, but due to various match conditions: the heat, the kick-off time, the pitch where the ball wouldn't run and the game being paused in the 20th minute. 

"That’s why I say it’s not a typical World Cup in that regard. No-one team has pulled significantly ahead of the pack but ultimately the usual contenders will make it to the end."

Team news

Scaloni confirmed Messi is fit to start despite playing the full 120 minutes just four days ago.

Leandro Paredes is set to come into the side, though, to allow Alexis Mac Allister to play in a more advanced role.

Two other changes are expected.

Scaloni said the midfielder brings a different dynamic to the national team.

"Paredes is a key player. When he’s on the pitch, the team operates differently. With Alexis, the team plays well and he’s done magnificently, considering it’s not his natural position.

"But in most matches, the number 5 has been Leandro. If he hadn’t arrived at the World Cup injured, he would have been in the starting line-up. When the ball comes through him, it’s distributed well. We’ve found players in other positions with a much more direct passing style,” explained Scaloni.

Paredes will return to the starting line-up in place of Thiago Almada, who is on the verge of joining River Plate, according to local media reports.

Nicolás Tagliafico is also tipped regain his place at left-back, replacing Facundo Medina.

Up front, Julián Álvarez will start, with Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez dropping out of the first 11.

– TIMES/AFP