Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni faces travel uncertainties to Venezuela for a World Cup qualifier due to Hurricane Milton. Safety takes precedence as flights are canceled, and local authorities issue alerts. The team deals with player injuries but looks to field a healthy Lionel Messi. Argentina currently leads South America’s qualifying standings.
Miami: Argentina’s national football team manager, Lionel Scaloni, conveyed his concerns regarding the team’s travel plans to Venezuela for their upcoming World Cup qualifier, in light of Hurricane Milton approaching the west coast of Florida. The substantial category five hurricane traversed the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, threatening to make landfall in Florida, where the reigning World Cup champions are presently training in Fort Lauderdale ahead of their match scheduled for Thursday in Maturín, northeastern Venezuela. Scaloni remarked, “The game is important but the safety issue is even more important,” during a press conference at the team’s training base. Although Fort Lauderdale may escape severe effects, local authorities have issued alerts concerning potential tropical storms and flooding. In response to the storm, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency across more than 50 counties. Due to the impending weather conditions, numerous flights to and from Florida were canceled, and several airports announced closures in preparation for the storm expected to hit by Wednesday night. Scaloni noted, “It [the logistics] will be difficult for us,” expressing frustration over the team’s inability to fly out as initially planned. He added that they would now arrive just one day prior to the game due to flight restrictions preventing direct travel from the United States to Venezuela. Compounding these logistical difficulties, the Argentine squad is also coping with injuries to several players, including Marcos Acuña and Alejandro Garnacho, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is under suspension. Nonetheless, Scaloni confirmed that team captain Lionel Messi is fully fit to play, having recovered from an ankle injury that kept him out during the qualifiers against Chile and Colombia in September. “Leo is fine. He played several games before joining us and that’s what he needed, to get minutes,” Scaloni stated. As it stands, Argentina leads the South American World Cup qualifying standings with 18 points from eight matches, maintaining a two-point lead over Colombia in the second position. Furthermore, the team is prepared to face Bolivia in Buenos Aires the following Tuesday, October 15.
In the context of international football, World Cup qualifiers are critical fixtures for national teams as they seek to secure a place in the prestigious tournament. The impending Hurricane Milton poses a significant disruption to Argentina’s preparatory activities as climatic challenges interfere with their logistical arrangements.
In conclusion, as Hurricane Milton threatens Florida, the Argentine national football team’s travel plans for their World Cup qualifier against Venezuela are uncertain. While safety remains paramount, logistical complications arise due to flight cancelations and player injuries. Despite these challenges, the team looks forward to maintaining its qualifying lead and welcomes a fully fit Lionel Messi back into the squad.
Original Source: english.mathrubhumi.com
