Burkina Faso’s preparations for their meeting with Argentina have been far from ideal, with the African side reportedly facing major travel problems ahead of the fixture.
The team was left stranded in Morocco for several days after a charter flight to South America was cancelled at the last minute. Several players reportedly refused alternative arrangements because they involved a much longer journey with multiple connections, raising serious questions about whether the match would even go ahead.
However, reports from Argentine outlet Diario Olé indicate that Burkina Faso have now begun their journey to Buenos Aires and are expected to arrive only a few hours before kick-off.
The disruption has also reportedly affected the squad itself, with several players staying behind and a number of younger footballers being brought in to fill the gaps.
It is hardly the kind of preparation Burkina Faso would have wanted before taking on one of international football’s strongest teams.
Messi preparing for Argentina farewell
Argentina are also looking ahead to a special occasion involving Lionel Messi, with the legendary forward set to make a one-off appearance in a farewell tribute at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental on October 6.
Messi has announced his retirement from international football following the World Cup and will feature in the special event as Argentina celebrate his extraordinary career.
The former Barcelona star will not play in Saturday’s friendly, however.
Members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad have also been invited to take part in the celebrations, while a special Argentina shirt has been released to honour Messi’s legacy with the national team.
If Burkina Faso are unable to reach Buenos Aires in time for their scheduled fixture, Argentina are reportedly prepared to face Benin instead on Saturday. Benin are already in Buenos Aires ahead of the planned celebrations surrounding Messi’s farewell.
Argentina expected to rotate against Burkina Faso
With the match being a friendly, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to use the opportunity to rotate his squad and give several players valuable minutes.
Young defender Agustín Giay could retain his place at right-back, while Facundo Medina and Román Vega are competing for the starting position on the left side of the defence.
In midfield, Enzo Fernández could return to the starting lineup after sitting out Argentina’s previous game against Bolivia.
Giuliano Simeone and Franco Mastantuono are also pushing for starting roles after featuring from the bench in midweek.
Scaloni could once again turn to Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez in attack, although the friendly could also provide opportunities for younger forwards such as José Manuel López, Matías Soulé, Santiago Castro and Leonel Flores.
With Argentina already looking toward Messi’s emotional farewell, the game against Burkina Faso could become another chance for Scaloni to assess his options and give emerging players valuable international experience.
Possible Argentina XI vs Burkina Faso
Emiliano Martínez; Agustín Giay, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina or Román Vega; Giuliano Simeone or Franco Mastantuono, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Nico Paz; Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez.
