MIAMI, ⁠July 3 (Reuters) - Captain Lionel Messi returns to ⁠the starting lineup for Argentina in their World ‌Cup last-32 clash against tournament debutants Cape Verde on Friday.

It is a landmark game for Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who ​is marking his 100th game ⁠in charge of the ⁠national team since taking over in 2018.

• Messi, the ⁠World ‌Cup's top scorer of all time, becomes the first player ever to make ⁠30 appearances at the tournament.

• Lautaro Martinez ​joins Messi ‌in attack while Julian Alvarez is benched.

• Cape ⁠Verde midfielder ​Telmo Arcanjo, who was doubtful for the game because of a leg injury, starts on the bench.

• ⁠His teammate Sidny Lopes Cabral is ​available again and the left back starts after serving a one-match suspension against Saudi Arabia for picking ⁠up yellow cards against Spain and Uruguay.

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, ​Lionel Messi (captain), Thiago Almada, Lautaro ⁠Martinez.

Cape Verde: Vozinha, Diney Borges, Pico Lopes, Sidny Lopes ​Cabral, Steven Moreira, Kevin Pina, ‌Jovane Cabral, Deroy Duarte, Laros ​Duarte, Ryan Mendes (captain), Nuno da Costa.

(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Miami;Editing by Christian Radnedge)