Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez is absent, giving opportunities to Gerónimo Rulli and Walter Benítez.
Lionel Messi is in the squad, along with Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
Scaloni is looking to solidify the full-back positions, with Juan Foyth and Kevin Mac Allister as potential options.
Enzo Fernández, Nahuel Molina, Julián Álvarez, and Giuliano Simeone were removed from the match due to various reasons.
Argentina is heavily favored to win the match.
Argentina's friendly against Angola serves as a crucial opportunity for Lionel Scaloni to experiment with his squad and assess the depth in various positions. With key players like Emiliano Martínez absent, the match provides a platform for fringe players to prove their worth ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The full-back positions are of particular interest, with Scaloni seeking to solidify his options on both flanks. Juan Foyth and Kevin Mac Allister are in contention for the right-back spot, while Valentín Barco could feature on the left. In midfield, Máximo Perrone and Emiliano Buendía will be looking to impress, while Joaquín Panichelli and José Manuel López will aim to stake their claim in attack.
Argentina is expected to field a strong lineup, with Lionel Messi leading the charge alongside Lautaro Martínez. The Albiceleste are overwhelming favorites to win the match, but Angola will be determined to put up a good fight and end their year on a positive note.
Projected Argentina Lineup (4-4-2):
Goalkeeper: Gerónimo Rulli
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cuti Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico
Midfielders: Giovani Lo Celso, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez
Q: Why is Emiliano Martínez not playing?
Scaloni preferred to give him rest and test other goalkeepers.
Q: Who are the potential replacements at full-back?
Juan Foyth and Kevin Mac Allister are options for the right, Valentín Barco for the left.
The Argentina vs. Angola friendly offers key insights into Scaloni's plans for the 2026 World Cup. Keep an eye on the performance of fringe players, particularly in the full-back positions. The match also provides an opportunity to assess Argentina's attacking options beyond Messi and Lautaro Martínez.
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