Argentina play their second USA-based friendly this month against Puerto Rico in Florida on October 14.
The Albiceleste have already booked their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer, finishing with a nine-point lead at the top of the final CONMEBOL rankings.
The reigning world champions are in a strong position and will be looking to defend their crown next year in North America. For now, though, it is all about getting preparations in place for that tournament.
Lionel Scaloni's team beat Venezuela 1-0 in their first friendly this month in Miami. Lionel Messi missed the game as he instead played in Inter Miami's 4-0 MLS regular-season win over Atlanta United. It remains to be seen whether he will return to the national team for this week's fixture.
Puerto Rico, meanwhile, were eliminated from World Cup contention at the second phase of the CONCACAF qualification cycle. They will be facing Argentina for the first time in history on Tuesday.
The match will take place at Inter Miami's Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale after being moved from Chicago. A Chicago Park District spokesperson told the Associated Press that the decision was taken due to "low ticket sales", but ESPN and AP reported that the game was relocated as a result of the unrest in the city caused by the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
Puerto Rico vs. Argentina lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news
Puerto Rico are expected to name a strong side against Argentina and hope for a famous result in this historic fixture.
Roberto Ydrach of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds was called up to the roster for this game at short notice, but he is expected to be involved.
Puerto Rico predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Cutler (GK) — Cardona, Calderon, Paris, Rios — O'Neill, Diaz, Ydrach — Echevarria, L. Antonetti, Rivera
Puerto Rico full roster
Goalkeepers: Joel Serrano, Sebastian Cutler
Defenders: Nicolas Cardona, Giovanni Calderon, Rodolfo Sulia, Sidney Paris, Diego Rossi
Midfielders: Ignacio Antonetti, Darren Rios, Isaac Angking, Juan O'Neill, Steven Echevarria, Roberto Ydrach, Jaiden Servania, Wilfredo Rivera, Gerald Diaz, Noeh Hernandez, David Marrero
Forwards: Jeremy De Leon, Leandro Antonetti, Ricardo Rivera
Scaloni has already mentioned that he will "try new players" in these friendly matches in preparation for the World Cup and will not "risk" key players who may be carrying injury concerns.
He said he hoped that Lionel Messi would be available for selection after missing the Venezuela game in order to play for Inter Miami, but it seems likely the veteran forward will start on the bench.
Enzo Fernandez withdrew from the squad due to a knee issue and has returned to Chelsea for treatment. Scaloni will likely make sweeping changes to the lineup anyway so he can give certain players a chance to impress.
Argentina predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Rulli (GK) — Montiel, Balerdi, Rivero, Acuna — Mac Allister, Moreno, Nico Gonzalez — Simeone, Lopez, Almada
Argentina full roster
Goalkeepers: Emi Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Walter Benitez
Defenders: Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Marcos Senesi, Lautaro Rivero
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Thiago Almada, Nico Paz, Anibal Moreno
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Nico Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone, Franco Mastantuono, Jose Manuel Lopez.
Puerto Rico vs. Argentina match details
- Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
- Kickoff time: 8 p.m. local (ET) / 5 p.m. PT / 5:30 a.m. IST (Oct. 15) 11 a.m. AEST (Oct. 15)
- Location: Chase Stadium, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (USA)
- Competition: International Friendly
- Referee: TBA