Argentina took our FIFA U-20 World Cup, but at least Messi and pals will play a friendly match in Indonesia

Lionel Messi celebrating Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph. Photo: Instagram/@afaseleccion
Lionel Messi celebrating Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph. Photo: Instagram/@afaseleccion

What can make up for being robbed of the chance to witness tomorrow’s stars in action at the FIFA U-20 World Cup through no one’s fault but ours? Why, seeing the best players of today – the world champions – up close and personal, of course.

The Argentina national team this morning put out a tweet announcing its upcoming Asia tour, which includes a date for a friendly match against Indonesia in Jakarta on June 19.

The poster features the one and only GOAT Lionel Messi, as well as the stars in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Angel Di Maria, and notorious shit-stirrer Emi Martinez.

Yet it must be noted that friendly matches are often low stakes and feature fringe players, but we sure hope that the superstars take to the pitch in this rare chance for many Indonesians to see them up close. 

At any rate, Indonesia, ranked 149th in the world by FIFA, will face a tough challenge against the Albiceleste, who is currently the best team in the world.

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) says details about the match still have to be ironed out, but it’s likely that it will take place at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium in Jakarta. 

This month, Indonesia was supposed to host the FIFA U-20 World Cup in six cities, including Jakarta. In March, FIFA stripped Indonesia of its hosting rights after the country’s politicians and conservative groups, ostensibly in their ardent support of the Palestinian cause, publicly denounced Israel’s participation.

FIFA eventually awarded Argentina the right to host the prestigious tournament, with their youth team also replacing Indonesia’s, as afforded to host nations.

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