After the cancellation of the 2026 Finalissima against Spain, Lionel Messi’s Argentina quickly moved to secure a friendly during the March international window. In that regard, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that Guatemala will be the national team’s next opponent.
“Following the cancellation of the Finalissima, Lionel Scaloni’s squad will travel to the country to undergo a week of intense collective training and play a friendly match on Tuesday, the 31st, against Guatemala. The work schedule, the call-up list for this FIFA window, and the stadium will be announced in the coming days,” the AFA stated in an official release.
In the next few days, Scaloni will announce the final roster of players who will join training next week for the last FIFA window prior to the World Cup. This will be the coach’s final opportunity to evaluate the players before finalizing the 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Who could make it to the final roster?
Regarding the roster, the coach is expected to consider the players he has consistently called up recently, though some surprises—such as Joaquin Panichelli of Racing Strasbourg—could earn a spot.
Lionel Messi during a game vs Guatemala in 2024. (Getty Images)
One of the primary uncertainties remains the presence of Lautaro Martinez, as the Inter Milan forward continues to recover from a strain to the soleus muscle in his left calf.
Not a new opponent for Messi
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Spain confirm new friendly for March 27 as Finalissima vs Argentina is canceled
This Central American side is a familiar opponent for Argentina, as this will mark their fourth head-to-head meeting. Guatemala notably served as the first opponent of the Lionel Scaloni era back in 2018, when the manager debuted with a convincing 3–0 victory—a match played without Messi on the pitch.
However, the captain has faced Guatemala on other occasions with clinical results. Prior to the 2014 World Cup, Argentina defeated them 4–0, highlighted by a Messi hat-trick. He was also a key figure in their most recent encounter in June 2024, where the Albiceleste secured another 4–1 win with a brace from Leo.
