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Argentina shifts friendlies to the U.S. amid Messi controversy with Chinese authorities

Posted : 23 February 2024

The Argentine national football team has rearranged its schedule to play two matches in the United States next month after Chinese authorities canceled friendlies involving the World Cup champions. The move came following backlash against Lionel Messi, who failed to play in an Inter Miami match in Hong Kong, causing disappointment among fans.

 

Lionel Scaloni's team will now face El Salvador in Philadelphia on March 22 and Nigeria in Los Angeles on March 26. Initially, Argentina was slated to play Nigeria in Hangzhou and Ivory Coast in Beijing before the cancellations.

 

The controversy arose when Messi was declared unfit to play in the friendly against a local League XI in Hong Kong, which drew a significant crowd. The unexpected absence led to widespread anger, and the subsequent decision by Chinese sporting authorities to cancel the scheduled matches.

 

Messi cited an inflamed adductor as the reason for missing the Hong Kong match. Despite the setback, the Argentine national team is adapting its plans to play in the United States, avoiding further disruptions to their international schedule.

 

The rearranged fixtures in the U.S., against El Salvador and Nigeria, provide an alternative platform for Argentina to showcase their football prowess and maintain their international commitments. The decision to shift the matches to American venues allows the team to regroup and focus on their upcoming challenges, fostering international relations through sports diplomacy.

 

The incident highlights the global impact and scrutiny that football stars like Messi face, even in friendly matches, and the delicate balance between individual commitments and national team obligations.

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