The March international window is here, with Argentina ready to play two friendlies in the United States. Their first exhibition of the year will take place against El Salvador tonight, March 22, at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
The biggest news heading into this game is Lionel Messiâs absence, with the Inter Miami superstar ruled out for La Albicelesteâs US tour due to a hamstring injury in his right leg.
While the 8x Ballon dâOr winnerâs unavailability is certainly a huge blow for all fans, La Albiceleste still have to show up and find an alternative way to play without Leo on the field.
Argentinaâs lineup without Messi
Lionel Scaloni has to deal with multiple casualties for this international break. Apart from Messi, Argentina will miss Paulo Dybala (muscle injury), Marcos Acuña (muscle injury), Marcos Senesi (tear), Gonzalo Montiel (hamstring injury), and Exequiel Palacios (muscle injury).
Messi and Scaloni
Nehuén Pérez will make his international debut at right-back, with Nicolås Tagliafico playing center-back next to Cristian Romero. Besides, Giovani Lo Celso would also return to the lineup.
Argentinaâs confirmed starting XI: Emiliano MartĂnez; NehuĂ©n PĂ©rez, Cristian Romero, NicolĂĄs Tagliafico, NicolĂĄs GonzĂĄlez; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo FernĂĄndez, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso; Ăngel Di MarĂa, Lautaro MartĂnez.
see also
How to watch Argentina vs El Salvador for FREE in the US: TV Channel and Live Streaming on March 22, 2024
El Salvador lineup
This will be quite a test for David Donigaâs team, as this match will serve as preparation for the World Cup Qualifier double-fixture in June. La Selecta will not get the chance to face Messi this time, but they played against Leoâs Inter Miami in January (0-0).
El Salvadorâs lineup: Mario GonzĂĄlez, Bryan Tamacas, Melvin Cruz, Rudy Clavel, Jorge Cruz, Narciso Orellana, Nelson Flores, Darwin CerĂ©n, Christian MartĂnez; Jairo HenrĂquez, Nelson Bonilla.
see also
Who will be Argentina"s penalty taker without Messi vs El Salvador, Costa Rica?
