Argentina will head to the United States for its next international meet-up after their tour of China was canceled amid a backlash to Lionel Messi sitting out a recent Inter Miami friendly in Hong Kong.
The world champions were initially scheduled to play games against Nigeria and Ivory Coast in China during next month’s international break, yet that is no longer the case after sport authorities pulled the plug on the proposed tour.
Messi being left on the bench for Miami against Hong Kong XI on February 4 infuriated Chinese officials after some fans had forked out more than the equivalent of $600 to watch the soccer legend in the flesh.
As a result, the Beijing Football Association subsequently announced it had ‘no plans’ for Messi or his country to play in China – forcing Argentina to find a last-minute alternative.
In light of China’s pullout, the USA has now been selected as the preferred ‘Plan B’ option for the 2022 World Cup winners.
Argentina will reportedly head to the United States for its next international meet-up
The world champions’ proposed tour of China was recently canceled amid a backlash to Lionel Messi sitting out an Inter Miami friendly in Hong Kong
Playing in America will allow Argentina stars to acclimatize ahead of their opening Copa America fixture at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium this summer
Messi and Co are now set to head to both the East and West Coast for their next round of international fixtures, where they will still take on Nigeria as planned.
However, instead of a friendly against Ivory Coast they will be facing El Salvador.
AFA President Claudio Tapia proposed the team play in the US to prepare themselves for the upcoming Copa America in the States this summer, with their opening fixture against Chile coming at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 25.
Argentina will face El Salvador at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on March 22 and Nigeria over at Los Angeles’ Coliseum four days later.
Another friendly against El Salvador will mark the second time Messi has faced the Central American country in the space of two months, after Miami also played them back in January.
That game ended without goals as El Salvador goalkeeper Mario Gonzalez performed heroics to keep out Tata Martino’s side.
Messi and Miami got their 2024 MLS season underway on Wednesday night, when they cruised to a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake City.
This Sunday they visit LA Galaxy before hosting Orlando City next Saturday.
