International Friendlies
15 June, 2024 - Indian Date
FedExField
MATCH TIMES
India
05:30 AM
UAE
04:00 AM
Saudi Arabia
03:00 AM
MATCH LIVE INFO
Argentina possible starting lineup: E Martinez; Montiel, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Acuna; Enzo, Mac Allister, Paredes; Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Alvarez
Guatemala possible starting lineup: Hagen; Morales, Pinto, Samayoa, Ardon; Castellanos, Franco; Santis, Galindo, Mendez-Laing; Rubin
Match Preview
Argentina is set to conclude their preparations for the upcoming Copa America with a friendly against Guatemala at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, on Friday night. Lionel Scaloni’s team comes into the match following a 1-0 victory over Ecuador, with Ángel Di María scoring the decisive goal in the 40th minute during a game held in Chicago on June 9. This victory extended Argentina's winning streak to four matches, having previously secured wins against El Salvador and Costa Rica in friendlies in March, and a 1-0 victory over Brazil in a World Cup qualifier in November 2023.
Argentina has been on an impressive run, winning 11 consecutive friendly matches and remaining unbeaten in non-competitive fixtures for over five years. This strong form adds to their reputation as favorites for the Copa America, a title they won in 2021 by defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final. The team will kick off their 2024 Copa America campaign against Canada on June 20, followed by group stage matches against Chile and Peru.
On the other hand, Guatemala enters the friendly with confidence after two significant wins in their opening 2026 World Cup Group E qualifiers, beating Dominica 6-0 and the British Virgin Islands 3-0. Under the guidance of coach Luis Fernando Tena, Guatemala is on a four-game unbeaten run, including draws with Venezuela and Nicaragua in friendlies. Their last loss was a 2-0 defeat to Ecuador in March. Guatemala’s next competitive fixture is against Martinique in the CONCACAF Nations League on September 4, followed by matches against Costa Rica and Guyana.
Historically, Argentina and Guatemala have met three times, with the first encounter ending in a goalless draw in January 1990. Argentina won the subsequent two meetings 4-0 and 3-0 in June 2013 and September 2018, respectively. Given Argentina's formidable form and historical dominance, they are expected to extend their winning streak against Guatemala in this upcoming friendly.