Summary:
The highly anticipated friendly match between Argentina and Guatemala is set to take place on Friday. With lineup decisions still uncertain, Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni may limit the minutes of star players to avoid any injuries ahead of the Copa America.
Match Details:
- Date: Friday, June 14
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
- TV: Fox Deportes
- Live stream: Fubo (try for free!)
- Odds: Guatemala +4000; Draw +900; Argentina -3000
Storylines
Argentina
With the Copa America approaching, Argentina sees this match as an important platform for refining their lineup and strategy. Coach Lionel Scaloni faces difficult decisions regarding player rotations and minutes on the field. While Lionel Messi may start the match, it is likely that he will be substituted early to mitigate injury risks.
This game presents an excellent opportunity for younger talents to shine. Players like Alejandro Garnacho and Valentin Barco are expected to get valuable playing time. Additionally, Enzo Fernandez might also feature in the squad. Utilized correctly, this match can strengthen team cohesion and set the stage for a successful Copa America campaign.
Guatemala
Guatemala has shown promise in their World Cup qualifying performances. They have competed in friendly matches this year against Venezuela, Ecuador, and Nicaragua, building experience against competitive international teams. This game against Argentina will be another crucial test in their development. Facing a team of Argentina’s caliber will offer invaluable experience as Guatemala continues to prepare for upcoming tournaments.
Predictions
While Guatemala has been on a positive trajectory, Argentina’s superior skills and gameplay make them the clear favorites to win. A comfortable victory for Argentina is expected, with a score prediction of 3-0. However, Guatemala is likely to test Argentina's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, providing moments of excitement in the match.
Quotes:
Lionel Scaloni expressed caution regarding player health, saying, "Nothing would be worse than a major member of the squad picking up an injury ahead of their Copa America title defense." Emphasizing the importance of upcoming talent, he added, "This is a good time for younger players like Alejandro Garnacho and Valentin Barco to get a run out." Recognizing Guatemala's potential, Scaloni commented, "Guatemala are on the right track for the 2026 World Cup, which is a massive opportunity."
As both teams take the field on Friday, fans can expect an engaging match that serves multiple objectives: preparation, testing, and showcasing emerging talent. For Argentina, it's a step toward refining their strategy for a successful Copa America run. For Guatemala, it's a chance to measure their progress against one of the world's top teams.