The State of Play
World champions Argentina are gearing up to a summer whereby they will aim to win three successive major tournaments after the 2021 Copa America win and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Scaloni’s side did suffer a surprise 2-0 loss at home to Uruguay in the November international break in CONMEBOL qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but they recovered to edge past arch-rivals Brazil by a goal to nil a few days later.
El Salvador come into this one on the back of a goalless draw with Inter Miami in January as the Floridian franchise prepared for the start of this season of Major League Soccer. They are winless in their last 19 matches since defeating Grenada by three goals to one all the way back in June 2022. Under the management of David Doniga, ‘La Selecta’ are currently ranked 81st in the world, according to FIFA.
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Team News
Argentina have four uncapped players in their squad for this round of internationals but it remains pretty much a fully fit and available squad for Scaloni. However, Lionel Messi has ruled himself out injured alongside Marcos Senesi, Exequiel Palacios and Paulo Dybala.
El Salvador have a very inexperienced squad for this week’s exhibition against Argentina. They have selected seven defenders within the squad who have a combined caps of 12 appearances for their national side.
Expected Line-ups
Argentina: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Di Maria, L. Martinez, Alvarez
El Salvador: Gonzalez; Clavel, Cruz, Sibrian, Fuentes, Mayer Gil; Martinez, Orellana, Cartagena, Ceren; Bonilla
What they Said
It was reported that Lionel Scaloni considered resigning in November but he confirmed he would remain in charge of Argentina until at least 2026. “There was a lot of talking, but I always told the truth. There were moments to think and know what to do. It was not a farewell or anything. I was thinking about how the national team goes on and the moment also to allow space for the youngsters, and this is important for us. It was a moment of reflection.”
When and How to Watch
This match will be played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in the United States at 00:00 on Saturday 23rd March but will not be televised live in the UK. It will also not be able to be streamed live in the UK.
Prediction
Since winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Argentinians have been enjoying and experiencing something of a world tour whereby they are going around the world and defeating teams such as Indonesia, Australia, Curacao and Panama. They have suffered one defeat in their last 16 matches since losing the opening match of that aforementioned tournament to Saudi Arabia. El Salvador are a weak team that are on the decline so another heavy Argentinian win is to be expected in Philadelphia.