As FIFA day approaches, several national teams, including Argentina, are set to take part in friendly matches, serving as their final test before the Copa América. Argentina’s national team, La Scaloneta, will kick off their year with a friendly against El Salvador on Friday in Philadelphia, followed by another match against Costa Rica in Los Angeles.

Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina head coach, has assembled a strong squad for the upcoming friendlies, with players gathering in Philadelphia. Among the notable names present are Emiliano Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul, Germán Pezzella, Walter Benítez, Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Valentini, and Guido Rodríguez. These 25 players form the invited squad for Argentina’s US tour.

Unfortunately, Lisandro Martínez will not be able to participate as he is still recovering from a knee injury to his medial collateral ligament. In addition, Lionel Messi, who suffered a muscle injury during a match at Inter Miami, will also be absent from the squad. The coach will need to decide on a replacement for Messi before Friday’s match.

With Messi’s absence, Angel Di María is expected to take on a leadership role and captain the team during these friendlies. However, there is also speculation about the potential inclusion of Alejandro Garnacho, who has been performing well for Manchester United and recently made headlines with a victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Although Argentina will miss their star player Messi, the team remains determined and focused as they prepare for the upcoming friendlies. The absence of the 10-time world champion will be felt, but the rest of the squad is ready to step up and showcase their skills on the field in the United States.

The friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica will provide an opportunity for Argentina to fine-tune their strategies and gauge their readiness ahead of the highly anticipated Copa América. Fans eagerly await the performances of La Scaloneta as they aim to reclaim their status as champions of South America.