Argentina will face Puerto Rico on Tuesday at Chase Stadium to wrap up their U.S. tour throughout the October worldwide break. Seeking to finish the journey on a excessive observe, all eyes are on Lionel Messi and whether or not the star will return to motion for La Albiceleste.
The workforce led by coach Lionel Scaloni comes into the sport after a slender 1–0 win over Venezuela, the place regardless of fielding a star-studded lineup, Argentina struggled to transform clear possibilities. In opposition to Puerto Rico, Scaloni has already made it clear he plans to offer new gamers a possibility as he continues shaping the squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Puerto Rico, in the meantime, arrives in a tough second. Their final video games got here in June — a draw towards Nicaragua, a loss to Suriname, and a win over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines — outcomes that noticed them miss out on advancing to the subsequent spherical of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers. With Englishman Charlie Trout serving as interim supervisor, Puerto Rico will use this pleasant as an opportunity to check themselves towards elite opposition and lay the groundwork for the subsequent cycle.
Will Lionel Messi play for Argentina?
Messi’s standing has been one of many most important questions surrounding Argentina’s camp. The ahead missed Friday’s match towards Venezuela after being launched to play for Inter Miami the next day. He then rejoined the nationwide workforce, elevating expectations as soon as once more to see him again within the Albiceleste shirt.
Lionel Messi watched Argentina vs. Venezuela on the stands together with his household.
When requested about Messi’s availability, Scaloni supplied an encouraging replace. “We’re going to speak to him in the present day and see if he’s match to begin, or possibly play a couple of minutes, but when he’s come again to be with us, I believe he’ll get some minutes. I couldn’t let you know precisely what number of, however we’ll positively see him on the market so that everybody can take pleasure in watching him,” he stated on Monday’s press convention.
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After scoring twice and including an help for Inter Miami towards Atlanta United, Messi returned to coaching with the nationwide workforce on Sunday, showing in sturdy type. With Scaloni’s feedback, the one remaining query is whether or not the No. 10 will begin or start on the bench.
Projected lineups for Puerto Rico and Argentina
Puerto Rico’s projected lineups (4-3-3): Sebastián Cutler; Nicolás Cardona, Gio Calderón, Sidney Paris, Darren Ríos; Beto Ydrach, Juan O’Neill, Alec Díaz; Steven Echevarría, Wilfredo Rivera, Jeremy De León.
Head coach: Charlie Trout
Argentina’s projected lineup (4-4-2): Emiliano Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás González; Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso; José López, Lionel Messi.
Head coach: Lionel Scaloni.
