Argentina vs Costa Rica: Expected Lineups, Injuries, Predictions, Head-to-Head, Live Streaming, TV Channels & Is Lionel Messi Playing in the Match

In a CONMEBOL showdown, Argentina will face Costa Rica in a friendly match at Los Angeles’ United Airlines Field, on Wednesday, March 26, at 10:50 p.m. ET. This match marks the final friendly fixture for the Argentines in March, with their international campaign set to resume in June as the Copa America kicks off. Costa Rica will head to the WC Qualifiers. As anticipation builds, let’s look at the key details, including the biggest question of all: Will Lionel Messi play?

Argentina vs Costa Rica: Preview

Argentina is showing no signs of stopping. In the previous fixture, La Albiceleste clinched a 3-0 victory against El Salvador on Saturday, thanks to Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernandez, and Giovani Lo Celso. Facing Costa Rica might be another confidence booster for the World Champions ahead of the Copa America. 

Meanwhile, Costa Rica has faced some challenges, suffering a 6-1 defeat to Panama in the Nations League QFs in November. Gustavo Alfaro’s side is aiming to regroup as they prepare for the upcoming WC Qualifiers clashes against St. Kitts and Nevis and Grenada. They showcased their potential with a convincing 3-1 victory against Honduras in their most recent match.

Injury updates: Will Lionel Messi play in Argentina vs. Costa Rica? 

Lionel Messi will again be absent from international action as he has been omitted from the Argentina squad due to a right hamstring injury. He suffered the injury against DC United in an MLS clash on March 16 and hence he was subbed off in the second-half. “He is overloaded in the right posterior. We don’t want to run a risk. We tried to see if he could go for a little longer, but it was bothering him, so we preferred for him to just get out of the game,” Miami’s head coach said after the match.

Reports suggest that Messi might be back for Inter Miami for a Champions Cup clash with Monterrey on April 3. However, there is no official confirmation.

In addition, Paulo Dybala is unavailable due to an adductor issue. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios has also been ruled out due to injury, joining Marcos Senesi on the sidelines.

On the other hand, Costa Rica enters the match with a fresh lineup, led by Keylor Navas. However, they may miss Celso Borges, who recently announced his retirement from international football. Additionally, Oscar Duarte, Bryan Oviedo, and Kendall Waston remain sidelined and will not feature in the squad.

Argentina vs Costa Rica: Expected line-ups 

Argentina (4-3-3): E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Alvarez, L Martinez, Gonzalez

Costa Rica expected line-ups (5-4-1): Navas; Taylor, Cascante, Arboine, Calvo, Mora; Madrigal, Galo, Brenes, Campbell; Ugalde

Argentina vs Costa Rica: Head-to-head and predictions 

Total matches: 7

Won by Argentina: 5

Won by Costa Rica: 0

Draws: 2

While Costa Rica will be looking to surprise, it might not happen against this Argentine squad, who are poised for another victory, along with their 11th clean sheet in 12 games. We reckon a 2-0 scoreline in favor of Argentina. 

Where to watch and how to livestream Argentina vs Costa Rica? 

Fans can watch Argentina vs. Costa Rica on the CBS Sports Network. Alternatively, the game can be viewed on Fubo.

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