Preview: Argentina vs. Curacao - prediction, team news, lineups

Lionel Scaloni's side defeated Panama 2-0 on a night of celebration at the weekend, while the visitors to Santiago del Estero lost 2-0 to Canada in a CONCACAF Nations League showdown.

Match preview

Even if Panama had somehow come away from Buenos Aires with a memorable win to boast about, there was no dampening the delirium for those in blue and white, who received a hero's welcome in their first international fixture since lifting the golden trophy aloft in Qatar.

It was only appropriate for Lionel Messi to hit a new milestone on the night, as the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner netted his 800th career goal from a free kick to round off a professional win, although it took Scaloni's men 78 minutes to break the deadlock through Thiago Almada.

Electing to name the same starting XI that took to the field for their World Cup 2022 final against France - which will go down as one of the greatest football matches to ever grace the land - Scaloni's champions received "eternal gratitude" from their trailblazing manager, who could not hold back his emotion at Mas Monumental.

Victory over Panama marked Argentina's seventh win in a row across all competitions, with La Albiceleste scoring at least two goals in all of those successes since being shell-shocked by Saudi Arabia in their opening World Cup contest.

Each of Argentina's last five friendly matches has also ended in victory - with five clean sheets in tow - and Scaloni's crop can enjoy one final pressure-free contest before the qualifying cycle for the 2026 World Cup commences in six months time.

While Argentina's 2022 was unforgettable for all the right reasons, Curacao's calendar year was a largely forgettable affair, and the world's 86th-ranked nation could not upset the apple cart in their Nations League group with Canada and Honduras.

Welcoming Canada to Willemstad for Saturday's showdown, Remko Bicentini's side succumbed to goals from Jonathan David and Cyle Larin to confirm a third-placed finish in the section, which is only good enough for a spot in the prelims of the upcoming Gold Cup.

Defeat to the Canucks marked Curacao's fourth defeat on the bounce in all competitions - having also suffered a pair of friendly losses to Indonesia in September - and not since a 1-0 success over Bolivia in March 2018 have La Familia Azul come out on the correct end of the scoreline in a friendly battle.

Since the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, Curacao have never tackled Argentina in competitive or non-competitive action, but few will expect the visitors to spoil the party mood on Tuesday.

Argentina friendly form:

W

Argentina form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

W

W

Curacao form (all competitions):

L

W

L

L

L

L

Team News

Having given his World Cup-winning starting lineup a run-out from the first whistle against Panama, Scaloni will likely make a plethora of changes for the visit of Curacao, but the captain's tag should remain wrapped around Messi's arm as he goes in search of his 100th goal for Argentina.

Almada's opener off the bench has benefitted the 21-year-old's chances of a first Albiceleste start, while Paulo Dybala, Lautaro Martinez, Leandro Paredes and Lisandro Martinez should also be in line for recalls.

No fewer than four uncapped players should also feel hopeful of making their international bows, with Lautaro Blanco, Facundo Buonanotte, Valentin Carboni and Maximo Perrone all waiting for their first senior appearances.

As for Curacao, centre-back Jurien Gaari saw red for two bookable offences in the loss to Canada, but that sending off is inconsequential for this friendly, while attacker Brandley Kuwas came off before half time in that game and could now miss out.

Jeremy Antonisse could potentially come in for Kuwas on the right-hand side, as ex-Everton right-back Cuco Martina captains the side from right-back, with brothers Juninho Bacuna and Leandro Bacuna manning the engine room.

Argentina possible starting lineup:

Rulli; Montiel, Pezzella, Li. Martinez, Acuna; Almada, Paredes, Palacios; Messi, La. Martinez, Dybala

Curacao possible starting lineup:

Room; Martina, Gaari, Van Eijma, Floranus; L. Bacuna, Anita, J. Bacuna; Antonisse, Janga, Gorre

We say: Argentina 3-0 Curacao

With plenty of fringe and uncapped players hoping to stamp their authority on the Argentina team, Scaloni should keep a plethora of his big-hitters in reserve - not that it would make any difference to the overall result.

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