Argentina vs Australia: Argentina take it easy as they approach another set of friendlies. After winning the World Cup and celebrating the trophy in Argentina, they now come back to take on Australia. Many senior team players have been kept out of the squad along with young players who were included in the U20 FIFA World Cup. Prior to the match, Lionel Messi also announced that he has played his last World Cup and will not be playing in the World Cup 2026. Follow International Friendlies LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Lionel Messi and Co. had been waiting for the longest time to achieve football’s highest honour. They earned that last year beating France in one of the most dramatic World Cup finals. Following that enormous win, they came back to Argentina for their friendly matches against Panama and Curacao. More of a celebratory environment was engulfing the fans and the players the whole time during that visit. However, Argentina still won the matches against Panama and Curacao by an aggregate 9-0 scoreline.
While they ended the match 2-0 against Panama, they scored 7 against Curacao without conceding any. Lionel Messi scored 4 times in these two games. He scored once against Panama and a hattrick against Curacao. His goal against Panama brought the total goal tally of his career to 800 goals. Whereas, his first goal against Curacao brought his goal tally for Argentina to 100 goals. As he appears against Australia on Friday, it will be his 175th appearance for Argentina. However, he might not go to Indonesia for their next match.
Prior to the match, when Messi arrived in China, he gave an interview to a Chinese outlet. He told there that he has played his last World Cup. This indicates, while he is still playing with the Argentina team, he could retire from international football within the next three years. He will still help Argentina extend their 8-match winning streak against Australia. Winning this will also add to their incredible record of only one defeat in 46 matches across the last four years.
Also read: Lionel Messi says he played ‘LAST World Cup’ only days after joining MLS side Inter Miami
While Messi remains available after making an unexpected move to the United States, several players have been left out of the squad. The season end is seeing many players sitting out these friendlies. While Lisandro Martinez misses out due to an injury, Paulo Dybala, Papu Gomez, Lautaro Martinez, Angel Correa, and Juan Foyth have been left out of the squad. The 27-man squad for the friendly also excludes 19 players who went to the U20 FIFA World Cup. Youngster Julian Alvarez is included in the squad but could miss the first friendly.
Alvarez could miss the match against Australia as he celebrates Man City’s treble parade. However, he could join for the match against Indonesia. Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte will be pushing for their debut for the senior team. Alexis Mac Allister who recently joined Liverpool will join Rodrigo de Paul and Enzo Fernandez in the central midfield position. Facundo Medina, Leonardo Balerdi, and German Pezzella will be competing to start beside Nicolas Otamendi in the defense line.
Argentina Probable Starting XI: E. Martinez; Montiel, Otamendi, Romero, Acuna; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Simeone, Garnacho
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