With the 2024 Copa America just around the corner, Argentina will take on Guatemala on Friday, June 14, in their last international friendly before their debut. This time, Lionel Messi will start.
Last time out, the Inter Miami superstar came off the bench in La Albiceleste‘s 1-0 friendly win over Ecuador at Soldier Field in Chicago. Angel Di Maria, who scored the winner, wore the captain’s armband before being replaced by Leo.
Los Chapines head into this clash aiming to extend their unbeaten run, having avoided defeat in their last four matches (W2 D2). But of course, that will not be an easy task against the reigning world champs.
Argentina’s lineup with Messi
After starting the last friendly on the bench, Messi will return to Argentina’s starting eleven tonight. Lionel Scaloni will make many other changes, with Nicolas Gonzalez notably playing as left-back.
Argentina’s lineup: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Gonzalez; Valentin Carboni, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez.
Guatemala’s lineup
After finishing level with Nicaragua in May, Guatemala came back stronger in June with commanding victories over Dominica (6-0) and the British Virgin Islands (3-0). Coach Luis Fernando Tena has already confirmed tonight’s starting eleven.
Guatemala’s lineup: Nicholas Hagen, Jose Ardon, Jose Pinto, Jose Morales, Nicolas Samayoa, Marco Dominguez, Oscar Castellanos, Jonathan Franco, Oscar Santis, Elmer Cardoza, Rubio Rubin.