Following the cancellation of friendlies by Chinese sporting authorities amid controversy surrounding Lionel Messi, Argentina’s national team has rearranged its schedule, opting to play two matches in the United States next month.
New Fixture Details:
The Argentine Football Association announced on Thursday that Lionel Scaloni’s squad will take on El Salvador at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on March 22, followed by a match against Nigeria at the Coliseum in Los Angeles on March 26.
Cancellation Amid Messi Controversy:
Originally slated to play Nigeria in Hangzhou and the Ivory Coast in Beijing, Argentina’s plans were disrupted after Messi’s absence from an Inter Miami match in Hong Kong stirred controversy. Despite being declared unfit to play in the Hong Kong friendly, Messi’s subsequent appearance in a match against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo fueled anger and backlash among fans and officials.
Backlash and Fan Outrage:
The decision for Messi to sit out the Hong Kong fixture, which drew a crowd of 40,000 spectators, sparked outrage, particularly among Chinese state media, Hong Kong politicians, and disappointed fans who had paid significant sums for tickets. The subsequent revelation of Messi’s alleged injury inflamed tensions further.
Messi Addresses Controversy:
In response to the uproar, Messi released a video on Weibo, addressing his absence from the Hong Kong match, attributing it to an inflamed adductor. However, the explanation did little to quell the discontent among fans and officials.
Shift to US Matches:
Amid the fallout from the controversy, Argentina swiftly rearranged its schedule, opting for matches in the United States, where they will face El Salvador and Nigeria. The move reflects the need to avoid further controversy and maintain stability ahead of important fixtures.
Uncertain Future:
As Argentina navigates the aftermath of the Messi controversy, questions linger about the team’s upcoming matches and the broader implications for international football relations. The decision to shift fixtures underscores the challenges faced by teams amidst external pressures and expectations.
The focus now shifts to Argentina’s upcoming matches in the United States, where they aim to regroup and focus on their performance on the field, while the fallout from the Messi controversy continues to reverberate in the football world.
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Credit: Aadi Nair