Lionel Messi is ready to function for Argentina one final time in 2025 earlier than the group 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 in every of his star teammates within the nationwide group 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 resembling UEFA and CONCACAF proceed their qualifying campaigns, the Argentine Soccer Affiliation has scheduled only one pleasant through the November break in opposition to Angola, and one World Cup winner is not going to be a part of the squad.
In keeping with Argentine outlet TyC Sports activities, Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez is not going to be a part of the nationwide group for the match in opposition to Angola. The report states that head coach Lionel Scaloni spoke instantly with the Aston Villa goalkeeper and determined to relaxation him for this window.
The reasoning behind Scaloni’s choice is to offer different goalkeepers a possibility to earn minutes between the posts. Martínez has been a key determine in Argentina’s latest triumphs, and together with his spot within the squad firmly secured, the teaching workers intends to make use of this pleasant to guage 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 may 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 possibilities to various gamers
Whereas Messi’s participation was reportedly one of many situations for organizing the pleasant in opposition to Angola, Scaloni is predicted to rotate closely and provides a number of fringe gamers an opportunity to impress forward of subsequent summer season’s match. With Martínez absent, the goalkeeper place will see contemporary competitors.
The main candidate to interchange Dibu is Walter Benítez of Crystal Palace, who has featured twice within the EFL Cup this season. Gerónimo Rulli can also be an choice, whereas uncertainty stays over the third goalkeeper spot. Facundo Cambeses, who debuted in Argentina’s final pleasant in opposition to Puerto Rico, might return, although Scaloni may look to check one other identify.
