Both sides are heading into the match on the back of contrasting results in their last outings, with the hosts securing a 2-0 win over Panama in a friendly on Friday, while Curacao suffered a 2-0 CONCACAF Nations League-defeat to Canada.
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World Champions Argentina will round of their international break with a friendly against Curacao at Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades on Monday night. Both sides are heading into the match on the back of contrasting results in their last outings, with the hosts securing a 2-0 win over Panama in a friendly on Friday, while Curacao suffered a 2-0 CONCACAF Nations League-defeat to Canada.
⚽ @Argentina 🇦🇷 2 (Thiago Almada y Lionel #Messi) 🆚 #Panamá 🇵🇦 0
👉 ¡Final del partido! pic.twitter.com/92terv0pOe
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) March 24, 2023
Argentina players received a hero’s welcome from the 83000 supporters at El Monumental on their return to action after the World Cup triumph on Friday. Lionel Scaloni’s side put two goals past Panama without reply, thanks to second-half efforts from Thiago Almada and Lionel Messi. Although Lionel Scaloni’s side dominated the proceeding with 75% ball possession and nine shots on target, it took 78 minutes for the world champions to break the deadlock through Almada. It was only appropriate for Messi to hit a new milestone on the night, as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner netted his 800th career goal with a stunning 89th-minute free-kick to round off a professional win. It was La Albiceleste’s seven consecutive victory in all competitions.
Curacao, on the other hand, are winless in their last four games in all competitions. Last time out, La Familia Azul lost to Canada, courtesy of first-half efforts from Jonathan David and Cyle Larin. The result confirmed Remko Bicentini’s side’s third-place finish in Group C of the CONCACAF Nations League, which is only good for a spot in the prelims of the upcoming Gold Cup. Their last victory came against Honduras in a Nations League match back in June last year.
Scaloni, who elected to name the same starting XI that took to field for their World Cup 2022 final against France in December last year, is likely to make plethora of changes for Monday’s game. Paulo Dybala, Lautaro Martinez, Leandro Paredes and Lisandro Martinez could come into the starting lineup. Last game’s goalscorer Almada is expected to earn his first start for the national team on Monday night. As for Curacao, Janga might lead the line, with Antonisse and Gorre in support.
Argentina Probable Starting Lineup: Rulli, Montiel, Pezzella, Li Martinez, Acuna, Almada, Paredes, Palacios, Messi, La Martinez, Dybala
Curacao Probable Starting Lineup: Room, Martina, Gaari, Van Eijma, Floranus, L Bacuna, Anita, J Bacuna, Antonisse, Janga, Gorre
Argentina
| Opponents | Score |
| Panama | 2-0 (W) |
| France | 3(4)-(2 )3 (W) |
| Croatia | 3-0 (W) |
| Netherlands | 2(4)-(3)2 (W) |
| Australia | 2-1 (W) |
Curacao
| Opponents | Score |
| Canada | 0-2 (L) |
| Indonesia | 2-1 (L) |
| Indonesia | 3-2 (L) |
| Canada | 4-0 (L) |
| Honduras | 1-2 (W) |
The friendly match between Argentina and Curacao will take place at Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades on Wednesday 5:00 am IST.
| Argentina vs Curacao | Key Details |
| Date | March 29 (Argentina) |
| Venue | Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades |
| Kickoff time in Argentina | 8:30 pm (Tuesday) |
| kickoff time in Curacao | 7:30 pm (Tuesday) |
| Kickoff time in India | 5:00 am (Wednesday) |
The live telecast of the friendly between Argentina and Curacao will be available on Television Publica and TYC Sports network in Argentina. Meanwhile those in the UK can catch the live action on BT Sport network.
