Argentina is set to play friendlies in October during the FIFA window as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup in the USA. However, Lionel Messi may miss a key teammate due to muscle discomfort experienced during warmups for a Europa League match.
During Matchday 2 of the UEFA Europa League, Aston Villa faced Feyenoord, but Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez did not take the field. The Argentinian goalkeeper was scheduled to start but had to withdraw at the last minute due to a calf strain suffered during warmups.
As Lionel Scaloni prepares to announce Argentina’s squad for friendly matches against Venezuela on the 10th and Puerto Rico on the 13th, Martinez’s situation remains uncertain. He will undergo medical tests to assess the injury and determine how long he will be sidelined.
If Dibu cannot play in the upcoming friendlies, possible replacements include Walter Benitez from Crystal Palace or Geronimo Rulli from Olympique Marseille, both seen as candidates to fill in for the World Cup-winning goalkeeper.
Emiliano Martinez during a 2026 World Cup Qualifier match. (Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)
More Argentina Friendlies Scheduled in the US
The friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico won’t be Argentina’s only games in the United States. As they get ready for the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Scaloni’s team is also planning two more friendlies in June.
Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), confirmed that Messi and Argentina will face Mexico and Honduras, with the locations still to be finalized.
“While we’re still waiting for March fixtures, we already have the June warm-ups confirmed against Mexico and Honduras. Both will be played here in the U.S., with stadiums still to be finalized,” Tapia told Argentine outlet Olé.
Tapia mentioned that the March 2026 opponents are yet to be confirmed, but the current World Champions already have part of their pre-World Cup schedule in place.