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 Messi’s absence, with the Inter Miami superstar ruled out for La Albiceleste’s US tour due to a hamstring injury in his right leg.
While the 8x Ballon d’Or winner’s 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.
Argentina’s 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 Nicolás Tagliafico playing center-back next to Cristian Romero. Besides, Giovani Lo Celso would also return to the lineup.
Argentina’s confirmed starting XI: Emiliano Martínez; Nehuén Pérez, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Tagliafico, Nicolás González; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso; Ángel Di María, Lautaro Martínez.
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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 Doniga’s 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 Leo’s Inter Miami in January (0-0).
El Salvador’s lineup: Mario González, Bryan Tamacas, Melvin Cruz, Rudy Clavel, Jorge Cruz, Narciso Orellana, Nelson Flores, Darwin Cerén, Christian Martínez; Jairo Henríquez, Nelson Bonilla.
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