Lionel Messi’s Argentina were the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup through the CONMEBOL qualifiers, securing their spot with four matches remaining. As they continue preparing to defend the title they won at Qatar 2022, a new report indicates that Lionel Scaloni’s squad will play two friendly matches in the United States ahead of the tournament.

According to Argentine insider Gaston Edul, Messi and Argentina will face two yet-to-be-confirmed opponents between October 8 and 14, with games set to take place in Chicago and New Jersey. There had been speculation that the reigning world champions could play their October friendlies in China, but Edul denied those reports.

Edul also revealed that Venezuela are among the possible opponents for one of the U.S.-based friendlies. Manag

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