Argentina vs. Honduras: What Time is the Friendly in Texas?

The Argentine national soccer team is set to play their first of two pre-World Cup friendlies this Saturday against Honduras in Texas. The match, scheduled for 9 p.m. Argentine time, serves as a final tune-up for the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off on June 11.

Coach Lionel Scaloni intends to use the game against a significantly weaker opponent to observe team dynamics and finalize tactical approaches without taking unnecessary risks. Players nursing minor physical complaints will be rested to avoid further injury. Scaloni has emphasized that any player unable to meet the minimum fitness requirements will be excluded from the squad.

Several prominent players, including Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Leandro Paredes, and Julián Álvarez, will be sidelined for this match. These key figures are considered essential to the team's core. Other players like Nico Paz, Nicolás González, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nahuel Molina are also being monitored for fitness.

Lionel Messi, preparing for his sixth World Cup, is expected to feature for a brief period during the game. Argentina will play a second friendly against Iceland on Tuesday before commencing their World Cup campaign. In the tournament, Argentina is drawn in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, with their opening match scheduled for June 16 against Algeria.

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If any player does not provide the minimum availability, they will be left out.