Puerto Rico vs Argentina Predicted Lineups Team News and Match Details with Lionel Messi Uncertain for Chase Stadium Friendly
Argentina will face Puerto Rico in a friendly match on October 14, 2025, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This match marks the first-ever encounter between the two nations. The Albiceleste, already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aim to further refine their team during this pre-tournament phase. They previously secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Venezuela in Miami, although star player Lionel Messi was absent from that game due to club commitments with Inter Miami.
Match Preview: Argentina vs. Puerto Rico
In this historic friendly, Argentina seeks to continue its strong momentum following their successful World Cup qualification campaign. Under coach Lionel Scaloni, the team finished atop the CONMEBOL standings with a nine-point advantage, showcasing formidable form leading up to the tournament set for next summer.
Team News
- Lionel Messi: His return for the match remains uncertain as he missed the previous friendly due to playing for his club.
- Injury Updates: Enzo Fernandez has withdrawn from the squad due to a knee injury, returning to Chelsea for treatment.
- Strategic Adjustments: Scaloni plans to experiment with new players, emphasizing the importance of player rotation for team evaluation.
Predicted Lineups
Puerto Rico is expected to field a competitive side in hopes of achieving a noteworthy result. Their setup in a 4-3-3 formation includes:
- Goalkeeper: Cutler
- Defenders: Cardona, Calderon, Paris, Rios
- Midfielders: O’Neill, Diaz, Ydrach
- Forwards: Echevarria, L. Antonetti, Rivera
Puerto Rico’s full squad includes players from various clubs, demonstrating depth and talent across all positions.
Argentina’s projected lineup in a similar 4-3-3 formation may consist of:
- Goalkeeper: Rulli
- Defenders: Montiel, Balerdi, Rivero, Acuna
- Midfielders: Mac Allister, Moreno, Nico Gonzalez
- Forwards: Simeone, Lopez, Almada
Match Details
| Date | October 14, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Kickoff Time | 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT |
| Location | Chase Stadium, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA |
| Competition | International Friendly |
| Referee | TBA |
This matchup promises excitement as both teams prepare for future competitions. Fans anticipate a thrilling encounter as Argentina looks to build team chemistry ahead of the World Cup, while Puerto Rico seeks to make history in their debut challenge against the reigning world champions.
