Despite Lionel Messi's absence, Argentina still cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over El Salvador last week and will face Costa Rica on Tuesday for another friendly game at the United Airlines Field of Los Angeles. Striker Lautaro Martinez will likely lead the attack for the team coached by Lionel Scaloni, alongside Manchester City star Julian Alvarez. Here's what you need to know.
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Viewing information
- Date: Tuesday, March 26 | Time: 10:50 p.m. ET
- Location: United Airlines Field -- Los Angeles, United States
- TV: CBS Sports Network
- Odds: Argentina -625; Draw: +490; Costa Rica +1500
Team news
Argentina: Messi is not in the Argentina squad due to an injury in his right hamstring, while Paulo Dybala is also not available due to an adductor problem. Bayer Leverkusen's midfielder Exequiel Palacios has also dropped out with injury.
Possible Argentina XI: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Gonzalez.
Costa Rica: Goalkeeper Keylor Navas will be absent on Tuesday, while Joel Campbell and Francisco Calvo are set to add to their combined 225 caps and play as starters. The rest of the squad is quite new for the national team, with Elias Aguilar the next in the list for caps with just 21 overall so far.
Possible Costa Rica XI: Navas; Taylor, Cascante, Arboine, Calvo, Mora; Madrigal, Galo, Brenes, Campbell; Ugalde.
Prediction
Argentina, despite the absences, should have a comfortable win against Costa Rica on Tuesday. Pick: Argentina 3, Costa Rica 1.