The world champions have named a strong squad to take on Ecuador and Guatemala in international friendlies ahead of next month’s Copa América.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: May 20th, 2024 11:31 EDT0
JUAN MABROMATAAFP
Argentina have named a strong roster for next month’s international friendlies, with Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi included in Lionel Scaloni’s team. The world champions will take on Ecuador (9 June) and Guatemala (14 June) in a brace of games designed to aid preparations for this summer’s Copa América.
La Albiceste are the reigning Copa América champions after Scaloni led them to the triumph in 2019. This time around they will be many people’s pre-tournament favourites and are taking no chances with the preparations.
#SelecciónMayor Nómina de futbolistas convocados para los dos amistosos preliminares que jugará @Argentina ante @LaTri y @fedefut_oficial. ¡Vamos @Argentina! 🩵🤍🩵 pic.twitter.com/42qsdOcwXG
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) May 20, 2024
Captain Lionel Messi will be with the team for both warm-up fixtures, leaving Inter Miami to compete for his nation. The 36-year-old has been in incredible form in MLS this season, registering ten goals and nine assists in ten appearances.
How long will Lionel Messi be unavailable for?
Messi will likely play three more games for Inter Miami before jetting off with Argentina. His final MLS match before departing will be a home game against St. Louis City on Saturday 1 June. Even if Argentina are eliminated in the group stages of this summer’s tournament, he will be with the national team squad until their final first round fixture on 29 June. Even in this unlikely eventuality he would miss five games for the Herons.
