Lionel Messi and Argentina have scheduled a pair of friendlies in the USA this March against Nigeria and the El Salvador national team.

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• Argentina schedule March friendlies in USA
• Set to play Nigeria and El Salvador
• Chinese Government canceled original matches over Messi preseason bust-up

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  After having their originally planned March international friendlies in China cancelled, La Albiceleste now have plans for the upcoming FIFA window. They're now set to take on AFCON powerhouse Nigeria and Concacaf side El Salvador in the build-up to this summer's Copa America.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  During the 2024 MLS preseason, Messi's Inter Miami went on a world tour that saw them stop and play in Asia against Vissel Kobe and a Hong Kong XI. Against the latter, however, the Heron' maestro sat out the match due to what he explained was 'pain in his adductor.'

  As a result, there was uproar from fans and the Chinese government over him sitting out, with one official going as far as saying he should be banned from the country.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Messi has already played the El Salvador national team once this season – but without Argentina. In a unique scenario, Inter Miami played a preseason match against the CONCACAF side in January, where the two team drew 0-0.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI AND ARGENTINA?

  The Herons superstar will continue his start to the 2024 MLS season, with Inter Miami beginning their campaign with three points Wednesday evening. He'll follow it up with a string of matches before reporting for national team duty in a little under a month's time.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News