Messi doubtful, new faces: Argentina’s likely XI v Puerto Rico | OneFootball

At the conclusion of the friendly tour in the United States, at Inter Miami's home, Chase Stadium, the Argentina National Team faces the Puerto Rico National Team in a match that will allow coach Lionel Scaloni to see players who didn't have much playtime against Venezuela.

In this regard, the coach from Pujato is considering at least six changes compared to the XI that defeated the Vinotinto. Among the new developments, there could be the debuts of two players, along with the return of Lionel Messi after playing with Inter Miami's jersey.

The first change would occur in defense. Marcos Senesi would leave the central defense and make way for Leonardo Balerdi, who will pair up with Nicolás Otamendi, replacing Cuti Romero. Dibu Martínez will continue as the goalkeeper, and the full-backs will be Nahuel Molina on the right and Nicolás Tagliafico on the left.

Moving to the midfield, there will be four changes. All those who played against Venezuela (Fernández, Paredes, and Lo Celso, plus Julián Álvarez) will be replaced by Rodrigo De Paul, Giuliano Simeone, Alexis Mac Allister, and Aníbal Moreno, the Palmeiras midfielder who will make his absolute debut with the senior team.

Finally, in the attack, there will also be at least one change. José Manuel López, a forward from Palmeiras, will also make his debut in the senior team, replacing Lautaro Martínez, while his partner will be decided between Lionel Messi or Nico Paz.

Thus, the Albiceleste would take the field with: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Aníbal Moreno, Alexis Mac Allister, Giuliano Simeone; Lionel Messi or Nico Paz and José Manuel López.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.