The world champions resumed work on the training pitch after a lighter recovery session, with attention once again focused on the battle between Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez for the central striker role.

Martinez was handed the starting position against Algeria and led the line for 55 minutes before Alvarez came on in the second half. The situation mirrors Argentina's successful 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar, where Martinez began as the first-choice forward before Alvarez eventually secured the role as the tournament progressed.

Before the opening match, Scaloni confirmed that Alvarez had fully recovered from an ankle problem and was available for selection. After the win, the Argentina coach praised Martinez for his contribution.

"The coach is constantly making decisions - who plays, who doesn't, who comes on, who comes off," Scaloni said.

"Everyone would like to play, but building the team requires 11 players, and you look for the ideal functioning."

He also highlighted the "incredible physical work" produced by Martinez during the victory over Algeria.

Despite that praise, reports from Argentina's training camp suggest Alvarez could be restored to the starting line-up when Argentina face Austria on Monday. The Atletico Madrid forward's energy, movement and pressing ability continue to make a strong case for selection.

Former Boca Juniors goalkeeper Carlos Navarro Montoya described the situation as a positive problem for Scaloni.

"Blessed doubts and blessed competition," he said.

"Martinez is a brilliant finisher, more of a penalty-area striker, while Julian gives you finishing and presence in the box but also contributes outside it and can be more involved. He may have greater physical intensity when pressing."

Argentina's selection questions are not limited to attack. At right-back, Gonzalo Montiel started against Algeria, but regular first-choice Nahuel Molina was introduced at half-time. There is also uncertainty on the left side of defence, where Nicolas Tagliafico continues his recovery from a calf injury.

Facundo Medina filled in against Algeria, while the Argentine Football Association reported that Tagliafico's rehabilitation was progressing well after he returned to work on the training pitch.

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