Three months ahead of defending its World Cup title, Argentina has missed a valuable opportunity to test itself against European champion Spain after the Finalissima was called off.
Since lifting the 2022 World Cup, Argentina has dominated South American qualifying, losing just four of its 18 matches. The team also claimed the 2024 Copa América title and has won all 11 of its relatively low profile friendlies during this period.
Coach Lionel Scaloni had been hoping to face Spain this month to address key questions, including the fitness and availability of captain Lionel Messi, while also assessing his starting lineup and emerging young talent.
However, the conflict in the Middle East made it impossible to host the Finalissima in Qatar on March 27. The Argentine Football Association was unable to coordinate an alternative date with UEFA and also had to cancel a planned friendly against Qatar.
In response, the AFA quickly searched for replacement opponents during the current international window and eventually arranged a home match against Guatemala on March 31.
In a statement, the AFA said that details regarding the schedule, squad selection for this FIFA window, and the venue would be announced soon.
Argentina has yet to confirm any final preparation matches in late May ahead of the World Cup in June.
Speaking in January, Scaloni stressed the importance of players reaching peak condition close to the tournament. He said the critical phase begins from March onward, with players needing both form and a bit of luck to be fully ready.
There is now a possibility that Argentina could enter the World Cup without having faced a European opponent during the qualification cycle, which would be a first.
This situation reflects a broader strategy by the AFA to prioritise commercial gains, even if it means playing against lower ranked teams in less traditional football destinations.
Before the 2022 World Cup, Argentina had faced stronger opposition such as Germany, Italy, and Estonia. In recent years, however, the team has capitalised on its world champion status and Messi’s global appeal by playing matches against teams like Curaçao, Indonesia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Angola.
Uncertainty also remains around Messi, who will turn 39 during the World Cup. Addressing the possibility of featuring in his sixth World Cup, he said last year that he is taking things day by day while trying to remain realistic and maintain his fitness.
Argentina will begin its World Cup campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan.
