Mexico vs. Argentina: International Soccer Friendly Schedule, Stream, Rosters, Predictions & Preview
Mexico and Argentina will play each other in the most anticipated soccer friendly in months. We haven't seen these two face off since the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. What a game this promises to be as each of these countries are regarded as the best in their continents.
It's the best of the Americas in this soccer game on Tuesday night.
Argentina (1)
For the second consecutive year, Argentina advanced to the finals in the biggest soccer tournament they competed in. Last year they lost to Germany 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup championship, and this year they made it to the finals of the Copa America. Again, they lost 1-0, this time to host nation Chile.
Argentina absolutely dominated Bolivia in their last international friendly, 7-0. Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi entered the game in the second half, and quickly made his presence felt. Messi scored two goals just eight minutes apart from one another. Argentina is currently the top ranked national team in the entire world, although there are some (Chilean and German fans) who disagree with such a position.
Starting goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who played against Bolivia, will once again be in net on Tuesday night. Forwards Ezequiel Lavezzi (had two goals against Bolivia) and Carlos Tevez will also be playing against Mexico. According to multiple reports, Gerardo Martino may even start Messi on Tuesday.
Although just a friendly, Martino knows this is a great opportunity to face the best squad in North America. Argentina must also keep in mind and somewhat prepare for the 2016 Copa America, which will be played in the United States.
Argentina's next game will be against Ecuador on Oct. 5, in Argentina.
Mexico (26)
Argentina may have made it to the finals of the Copa America, but it was Mexico who made it to the championship of the biggest North American soccer tournament. Mexico once again won the Gold Cup, this time defeating Jamaica in the finals.
In Mexico's last friendly, they tied Trinidad and Tobago, 3-3. It has not yet been confirmed whether or not Javier Hernandez will play against Argentina. "Chicharito" recently said he wants play against Argentina. Hernandez has not played for Mexico since he fractured his collarbone against Honduras on July 1.
Andrés Guardado, who is now the team captain, has stepped up in a major way. Guardado was the best player of the Gold Cup scoring a lot of critical goals for Mexico. Guillermo Ochoa will not be playing against Argentina. Instead, Alfredo Talavera is scheduled to start in net. Giovani dos Santos will also not be playing. Héctor Herrera and Carlos Esquivel, who both scored against Trinidad and Tobago, will be playing against Argentina.
Mexico hasn't had great luck against Argentina. Since 1991, Mexico has only beat Argentina once. That game actually came at the 2004 Copa America when Argentina lost to Brazil in the finals.
Mexico's next game is a big one. It will be against the United States for the right to play in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia. The winner will represent North America while the loser stays home.
Schedule, Where to Watch
Mexico and Argentina will play each other on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 10 p.m. ET. The game will be played in Arlington, Texas at AT&T Stadium via the Dallas Cowboys Arena. The game will be televised on ESPN 2 directly after the United States vs. Brazil match. You can watch a live game stream here.
Prediction
Mexico will have a loud crowd behind their backs, but they didn't look very impressive against Trinidad and Tobago. This is going to be very different, as Argentina isn't just "another CONCACAF squad." Argentina is playing their best players, while Mexico appears to best resting a few. Messi should find the net again in another Argentina victory.
Argentina wins 3-1
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1