Puerto Rico vs. Argentina: Predicted Lineups, Team News for Messi’s Chase Stadium Friendly
Argentina will face Puerto Rico in a friendly match on October 14, 2025, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This encounter marks the first time these two teams will meet on the pitch. Puerto Rico’s journey in World Cup qualification ended in the second phase of the CONCACAF cycle, while Argentina has secured a spot in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Pursuing Preparation: Argentina’s Recent Performance
The Argentine national team, known as the Albiceleste, is riding high after winning their first friendly this month, defeating Venezuela 1-0 in Miami. They aim to build on this momentum as they prepare to defend their title next year in North America.
Coach Lionel Scaloni plans to experiment with new players during these friendly matches. This strategy comes after a successful campaign, securing a nine-point lead in the final CONMEBOL rankings. Additionally, key players may be rested or sidelined due to minor injury concerns, indicating a rotation in the squad.
Team News: Puerto Rico and Argentina Lineups
Puerto Rico is expected to feature a strong side in what could be a historic game for them. The team has called up Roberto Ydrach of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, who is anticipated to be involved despite short notice.
Predicted Lineups
- Puerto Rico’s Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Sebastian Cutler
- Defenders: Nicolas Cardona, Giovanni Calderon, Sidney Paris, Darren Rios
- Midfielders: Juan O’Neill, Gerald Diaz, Roberto Ydrach
- Forwards: Ignacio Antonetti, Leandro Antonetti, Wilfredo Rivera
- Argentina’s Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Geronimo Rulli
- Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Lautaro Rivero, Marcos Acuna
- Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Anibal Moreno, Nico Gonzalez
- Forwards: Giuliano Simeone, Jose Manuel Lopez, Thiago Almada
Match Details
The friendly match between Puerto Rico and Argentina is set as follows:
| Date | October 14, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Kickoff Time | 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT |
| Location | Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA |
| Competition | International Friendly |
| Referee | TBA |
As excitement builds for this historic fixture, all eyes will be on the performance of both teams, especially Argentina’s adaptability and Puerto Rico’s hope for a noteworthy result against the reigning champions.
