Lionel Messi is about to function for Argentina one final time in 2025 earlier than the crew begins full preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Nevertheless, with lower than two weeks earlier than the November worldwide window, Messi has reportedly been dealt a significant setback, as one among his star teammates within the nationwide crew is predicted to overlook the upcoming pleasant.
With the 2026 World Cup simply eight months away, 28 nationwide groups have already booked their place, leaving 20 spots nonetheless up for grabs. Whereas confederations reminiscent of UEFA and CONCACAF proceed their qualifying campaigns, the Argentine Soccer Affiliation has scheduled only one pleasant through the November break towards Angola, and one World Cup winner is not going to be a part of the squad.
In response to Argentine outlet TyC Sports activities, Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez is not going to be part of the nationwide crew for the match towards Angola. The report states that head coach Lionel Scaloni spoke straight with the Aston Villa goalkeeper and determined to relaxation him for this window.
The reasoning behind Scaloni’s determination is to give different goalkeepers a possibility to earn minutes between the posts. Martínez has been a key determine in Argentina’s current triumphs, and along with his spot within the squad firmly secured, the teaching workers intends to make use of this pleasant to judge extra choices.
Emiliano Martínez of Argentina waves to followers.
The Argentine delegation will first journey to Alicante, Spain, for coaching periods forward of the match. They are going to then fly to Luanda, Angola’s capital, the place they’ll face the host nation on November 14 as a part of the celebrations for the African nation’s fiftieth Independence anniversary.
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Scaloni to offer probabilities to various gamers
Whereas Messi’s participation was reportedly one of many situations for organizing the pleasant towards Angola, Scaloni is predicted to rotate closely and provides a number of fringe gamers an opportunity to impress forward of subsequent summer time’s match. With Martínez absent, the goalkeeper place will see contemporary competitors.
The main candidate to exchange Dibu is Walter Benítez of Crystal Palace, who has featured twice within the EFL Cup this season. Gerónimo Rulli can be an possibility, whereas uncertainty stays over the third goalkeeper spot. Facundo Cambeses, who debuted in Argentina’s final pleasant towards Puerto Rico, might return, although Scaloni may additionally look to check one other identify.
