The Argentine national team has confirmed that it will play against Guatemala at the Alberto J. Armando stadium, better known as "La Bombonera", in what will be the last friendly match before the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The last appearance at La Bombonera was in November 2024, when Argentina defeated Peru 1-0 with a goal from Lautaro Martínez, as part of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The news was confirmed through the Argentine national team's social media, with an image of "La Bombonera" and captain Lionel Messi in the background. According to the Argentine News Agency, the match between the team led by Lionel Scaloni and their Guatemalan counterparts will be on Tuesday, March 31. Originally, on this FIFA date, the team was scheduled to face Spain in the Finalissima, which is the competition that brings together the champions of America and Europe. However, the match that was to be held at the Iconic Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, was suspended due to the war in the Middle East and the lack of an agreement between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The match against Guatemala will be Argentina's only friendly match during this FIFA window, meaning the world champions will arrive at the 2026 World Cup having played only one match in 2026.
