Sports Mole looks at how Argentina could line up in Friday’s international friendly with Guatemala.
Lionel Messi could be introduced into the starting XI for Argentina‘s friendly against Guatemala on Friday.
The 36-year-old featured as a second-half substitute in his country’s 1-0 win over Ecuador last time out, with Angel Di Maria netting the only goal of the contest.
This fixture will be Argentina’s final outing before beginning their 2024 Copa America campaign against Canada on June 20, while they will also take on Chile and Peru in the group stage.
Messi, who has 106 goals for his national side, could be introduced into the final third of the field alongside Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez.
Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister are also pushing to be involved in midfield, with the latter an unused substitute against Ecuador last time out.
Argentina must submit their 26-man squad for the Copa America by June 15, so three players need to be cut from the current selection.
Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho will hope to be given a chance to impress at some stage of the contest, while Nicolas Otamendi is also set to be involved.
Emiliano Martinez will once again be Argentina’s number one goalkeeper this summer, and there will be another start for the 31-year-old here, while Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez could continue in the middle of the defence.
Argentina possible starting lineup: E Martinez; Montiel, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Acuna; Enzo, Mac Allister, Paredes; Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Alvarez