Argentina 'considering two changes' for England match as Messi sparks concern

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Argentina

could be set to make some last-minute changes to their starting line-up ahead of the semi-final clash against

England

, as head coach Lionel Scaloni received an update concerning

Lionel Messi

. The

world

champions came through an exhausting quarter-final tie against

Switzerland

, winning 3-1 after extra-time, but the after-effects of that win have taken its toll on their squad fitness.

Messi missed the first training session

that followed the battling win in Kansas City. The 39-year-old took a heavy blow to his right eye following a challenge from Granit Xhaka midway through the second half and appeared to be in some discomfort.

Tottenham

defender Cristian Romero and Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes also had to be replaced in extra-time against Switzerland, raising some fitness issues for the

boss. However, all three players are expected to be recover or prove their fitness in time to face Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions.

The Argentina squad trained for the final time in Kansas City in a closed session before flying out to Atlanta on Monday evening.

According to

TyC Sports

, Scaloni kept everyone guessing as he didn't field a specific lineup in training and is only prepared to make that decision when they get to grips with their surroundings in the Georgian city.

He fielded the same starting XI for four games in a row but there were signs of wear and tear on his players, who looked jaded after three gruelling encounters with Cabo Verde,

Egypt

and recently Switzerland. The Argentinian outlet adds that midfield is the area Scaloni is least convinced about.

If Messi's fitness takes an adverse turn before kick-off, it could see Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez start together for the first time in the tournament. Alvarez scored a stunning curler in the 112th minute to put Argentina in front and Martinez made sure of the win in stoppage time.

For the majority of the campaign, Alvarez and Martinez have traded places on the bench as Scaloni looks to keep them as fresh as possible.

But with Messi seemingly suffering from possible burnout, it could be one of the key areas where Scaloni is forced into a change or tweak.

One of Rodrigo De Paul or Alexis Mac Allister, who scored the opening goal in that victory at the iconic Arrowhead Stadium, may be taken out of the starting XI to make way for Nicolas Gonzalez. But in facing some of his former team-mates and

Premier League

colleagues, Mac Allister's know-how may give him the nod.

At the back, Nahuel Molina's place looks uncertain. The Atletico Madrid defender started the game before he was replaced by Gonzalo Montiel in the 85th minute.

However, Scaloni could choose to start with Montiel for this game, despite predominantly using Molina throughout the World Cup.

“What this team has achieved is historic, even though we could have played better. It’s historic to be in a semi-final again,” he said. “It’s a privileged space in football, not an easy feat. We’re happy and excited now, and we will try to make it to the end with every last drop of sweat.”

Addressing the historical backdrop to facing England in a World Cup knockout tie, Scaloni was somewhat dismissive about the context. “The ­message is this is a football game. That is what I can say," he added.

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