Argentina will face Guatemala at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in California on Friday evening as they look to erase the demons of a disappointing World Cup tournament in Russia.
La Albiceleste only managed to reach the last 16 stage of the competition after being eventually knocked out by eventual World Cup winners France, with captain Lionel Messi's future with Argentina on hold indefinitely after deciding to sit out of this month's friendly clashes.
Jorge Sampaoli was relieved from his duties as Argentina manager and Lionel Scaloni has since been appointed head coach, in an effort to push on from a forgettable summer.
Game | Argentina v Guatemala |
Date | Friday, September 7 |
Time | 4am BST / 11pm EST |
TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch
In the United States (US), the game will be shown on beIN Sports and livestreamed through beIN Sports Connect.
US TV channel | Online stream |
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beIN Sports | beIN Sports Connect |
UK TV channel | Online stream |
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N/A | N/A |
Squads & Team News
Position | Argentina players |
---|---|
Goalkeepers | Romero, Rulli, Armani |
Defenders | Mercado, Acuna, Mori, Pezzella, Salvio, Tagliafico, Kannemann, Franco, Di Placido, Bustos |
Midfielders | Meza, Vargas, Cervi, Vazquez, Lo Celso, Paredes, Ascacibar, Palacios, Martinez |
Forwards | Pavon, Correa, Martinez, Icardi, Simeone |
The obvious notable absentee is captain Messi, while Paulo Dybala had to pull out of the squad for personal reasons. Mauro Icardi has been drafted in to replace Dybala, while there is no room for veterans Sergio Aguero, Angel di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain.
Lautaro Martinez has been sidelined with an injury.
Potential Argentina XI: Rulli; Bustos, Pezzella, Funes Mori, Tagliafico; Lo Celso, Paredes, Palacios; Pavon, Simeone, Martinez.
Position | Guatemala players |
---|---|
Goalkeepers | Motta, Hagen, Jerez Jr |
Defenders | Yanes, Gimenez, Moreira, Vasquez, Moreno, Morales, de Leon, Gallardo |
Midfielders | Marquez, Saravia, Macal, Ruiz Rosales, Lopez, Ceballos, Contreras, Norales |
Forwards | Guerra, Perez, Martinez |
20-year old Jose Martinez is expected to lead the attack ahead of Guerra, despite the latter scoring in recent friendlies.
Potential Guatemala XI: Motta; Jimenez, Vasquez, Moreira, Yanes; Contreras, Saravia, de Leon; Norales, Martinez, Vargas.
Betting & Match Odds
Argentina are priced at odds of winning 12/1 according to bet 365, while a draw is available at 16/1. A win for Guatemala is up for 55/1.
Match Preview

There is reason to believe that Argentina are embarking on a fresh start following the absence of the senior likes of Messi, Higuain and Aguero, and have the chance of a squad rebuild ahead of the forthcoming international friendlies.
Scaloni will be eager to rebuild the side as soon as possible ahead of the 2019 Copa America tournament in Brazil, with 13 uncapped players selected to face Guatemala.
Scaloni has selected a slew of young talent, including players such as Boca Juniors striker Cristian Pavon and Giovanni Simeone of Fiorentina (who is the son of Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone).
Inter Milan striker Icardo has been called up in the absence of Dybala after being snubbed for the World Cup, while Pavon is expected to start at the right flank.
Guatemala are a side also in the stages of a rebuild after FIFA suspended their football association for two years due to accusations of bribery in 2016.
The suspension was repealed earlier this year which enabled the side to play in two friendly fixtures against Cuba in August, which they both won. Guatemala will be pitted as underdogs against an Argentina team even with as many inexperienced and untapped talent in their squad, but they will be hoping to continue their return to football with a memorable bang.
The side selected to face Argentina continue a mix of those who represented the country before the ban as well as some fresh talent, with New York Red Bulls defender Allen Yanes earning a senior cap after an impressive season in the MLS