Messi receives notification of a 'schedule change' with the Argentina national team

The friendly match between Lionel Messi's Argentina national team and Puerto Rico in the United States has been rescheduled with a new date and venue.

Ahead of the friendly against Venezuela on October 10 in Miami, the Argentina team along with Lionel Messi received last-minute notice of a schedule change for the second friendly match on their US tour, originally planned against Puerto Rico.

Initially, this match was set for October 14 (Vietnam time) in Chicago. However, the organizers have shifted it to October 14 and relocated the venue to Miami.

Argentinian journalist Gaston Edul reported that coach Lionel Scaloni’s team will play at Chase Stadium, home of Inter Miami, though the exact kickoff time has yet to be decided. This change helps Argentina save travel time as both friendlies will now take place in Miami. The team is currently training in South Florida, where the Argentine Football Association has just started building a new modern training center.

For the match against Venezuela, Scaloni is likely to field his strongest lineup. However, Messi’s participation remains uncertain as he has not fully recovered after playing seven consecutive full 90-minute matches for Inter Miami over the past 21 days. If necessary, Franco Mastantuono or Nico Paz might be given a chance to step in.

In a press conference, Scaloni stated he will discuss with Messi to assess his condition and emphasized that the team will not take any risks with any player. He said: “We will talk with Messi and the entire squad. These are just friendlies, so if anyone is not in top shape, they will rest. But if they are fit, they will definitely play.”

For the second friendly against Puerto Rico, Scaloni plans to give opportunities to new or less frequently used players recently. Forward Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras) might make his debut for Argentina, along with goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses (Racing Club), defender Lautaro Rivero (River Plate), and midfielder Anibal Moreno (Palmeiras).

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