Argentina's World Cup Prep Hit by Last-Minute Cancellation
Image Source: Internet
Argentina's last big World Cup tune-up has vanished, leaving coach Lionel Scaloni's squad untested against European opponents. The Finalissima, a match against European champion Spain, was canceled due to the war in the Middle East.
Argentina has been on a roll since winning the 2022 World Cup, with four defeats in 18 matches and 11 low-key friendlies won. However, the team still faces uncertainty regarding captain Lionel Messi's availability for the World Cup.
Scaloni was counting on facing Spain to evaluate starters and assess younger prospects. Instead, Argentina will face Guatemala at home on March 31. The team has not confirmed any final warmup opponents in late May before the World Cup in June.
This is the result of a deliberate strategy by the Argentine Football Association to obtain greater commercial benefits, even at the cost of facing lower-level opponents in exotic locations.
Argentina still doesn't know if it will be able to count on Messi, who will turn 39 during the World Cup. The team begins World Cup group play against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, followed by Austria and Jordan.
