Lionel Messi facing major dilemma as Argentina's World Cup clash 'at risk'

Lionel Messi and Argentina could face a frustrating wait before their crucial World Cup clash with Cape Verde this evening, as forecasters predict unsettled conditions in south Florida.

The match at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, carries a 40 per cent probability of showers or thunderstorms when the teams are scheduled to kick off at 6pm local time.

Temperatures are expected to hover around 87°F (30°C) in hot and humid conditions, though meteorologists anticipate the storm risk will ease during the second half.

Chief meteorologist Aaron Mentkowski of WKBW-TV Buffalo, who is providing forecasts for the tournament, confirmed he would be monitoring the fixture for potential lightning delays.

Weather disruptions have already affected multiple fixtures at this summer's tournament, which is being staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The encounter between France and Iraq in Philadelphia was suspended for more than two hours at the interval due to electrical storms in the area.

Under tournament protocols operating in the US, play must be halted whenever lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the venue, triggering a 30-minute countdown that resets with each subsequent strike.

Mexico's group stage meeting with Ecuador at the Azteca Stadium also suffered delays, with kickoff pushed back by an hour following storms over the Mexican capital.

Argentina are aiming to secure their passage to the knockout rounds when they take on the African minnows this evening.

Messi's side will be wary of underestimating their opponents, however, after Cape Verde produced one of the tournament's most memorable results in their opening fixture.

The island nation, competing in their first World Cup, shocked observers by earning a goalless draw against Spain in their group stage debut.

That result has established Cape Verde as the competition's surprise package, and Argentina will need to remain focused despite the potential weather interruptions if they are to avoid a similar upset in Miami.

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