Argentina continue knockout preparations in scorching Kansas City heat

Argentina resumed training on Monday in sweltering conditions in Kansas City as Lionel Messi's side began preparations for their World Cup last-16 meeting with Cape Verde.

Lionel Scaloni is weighing up several key selection decisions ahead of the clash with the World Cup debutants, who impressed in the group stage.

To date, Argentina are one of only three teams, alongside Mexico and France, to have emerged from the group stage with a perfect record.

After Saturday's 3-1 victory over Jordan in Dallas, the reigning world champions cancelled Sunday's training session at their Kansas City base as a spell of extreme heat began to grip the region.

Messi, the tournament's leading scorer with six goals, returned to the training pitch on Monday with his team-mates shortly after authorities issued an extreme heat warning for the week, with temperatures expected to climb above 40 degrees Celsius.

When the Albiceleste took to the Sporting Kansas City training ground, the temperature was already around 33 degrees Celsius.

Argentina have two more training sessions scheduled before flying to Miami on Wednesday afternoon. The Florida city has been Messi's home since joining Inter Miami in 2023.

Scaloni's side will continue their bid for back-to-back World Cup titles on Friday against surprise package Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stages of a World Cup.

Three selection dilemmas

Scaloni, who will take charge of Argentina for the 100th time on Friday, is determined to avoid any complacency and intends to field his strongest available side, although three major selection questions remain.

The first concerns centre-back Cristian 'Cuti' Romero, who missed the win over Jordan after suffering a knock to his right knee.

The Argentina coach received encouraging news on Monday as the Tottenham Hotspur defender – who has been linked with a move to Spain – trained alongside the rest of the squad during the 15 minutes of the session open to the media.

Scaloni, who can call on experienced defender Nicolás Otamendi if required, must also decide whether to restore Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back.

The Olympique Lyon full-back is normally first choice in the position but missed Argentina's opening two matches because of a calf strain, allowing Facundo Medina to impress in his absence.

The third decision is whether Lautaro Martínez or Julián Álvarez should partner Messi in attack.

Messi has scored six of Argentina's eight goals at the tournament and it would be nice to see others on the scoresheet.

Álvarez, who began the World Cup on the bench because of an ankle injury, made his first start against Jordan but struggled to make an impact. Martínez, meanwhile, opened his tournament account from the penalty spot.