Argentina Face Honduras in International Friendly: What to Expect, Bold Predictions, and Starting Lineups Revealed

Argentina returns to action for the first time since the March international window, taking on Honduras in a friendly fixture on Saturday, with the reigning world champions looking to sharpen their preparations ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

The opening of two pre-tournament warm-up matches will be held in Texas as La Albiceleste aims to extend its five-game unbeaten run. March saw the side claim wins over Mauritania and Zambia, with Argentina once again opting not to face top-tier opposition during this month's pre-tournament build-up.

Honduras, sitting 66th in the global rankings, will not be part of this summer's tournament, having fallen short of qualification behind the likes of Curaçao and Haiti. La Bicolor is unlikely to pose a serious threat to Argentina.

With their World Cup opener against Algeria scheduled for June 16, Lionel Scaloni will be determined to ensure his squad avoids any embarrassing results before the tournament gets underway.

Argentina vs. Honduras Score Prediction

Argentina Eases to Victory

In all likelihood, this should be a comfortable outing for Argentina. The world champions boast tremendous depth throughout their squad, meaning even a rotated lineup would probably see off Honduras without much difficulty.

Tight victories over Mauritania and Angola in recent international windows suggest Argentina doesn't always steamroll lower-ranked opponents, though there have been high-scoring wins against Zambia and Puerto Rico since early October last year.

Honduras, having managed just one victory in their last five outings, will be bracing for a tough evening.

Prediction: Argentina 3–0 Honduras

Argentina Predicted Lineup vs. Honduras

Scaloni will have to set up his starting XI without Messi, the veteran star having been absent from full training sessions this week due to fatigue stemming from a muscle injury.

Right back Gonzalo Montiel and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez are also expected to sit out as they manage their respective fitness concerns. Gerónimo Rulli is likely to step in between the sticks in Martínez's absence.

Despite missing the closing stages of the season with Tottenham Hotspur, Cristian Romero has returned to fitness and could see some action at Kyle Field.

Scaloni may opt for a near full-strength starting lineup, though widespread substitutions are anticipated throughout the match.

Argentina predicted lineup vs. Honduras (4-4-2): Rulli; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Simeone, De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández; Martínez, Álvarez.

Honduras Predicted Lineup vs. Argentina

José Francisco Molina's backline looks somewhat reshuffled following the international retirements of Andy Najar and Marcelo Santos, both of whom stepped away from the national team last November.

Mike Arana, Leandro Padilla, Leonardo Posadas, Deiby Flores, and Julián Martínez have all been left out of the squad after featuring in March's draw against Peru.

Edwin Rodríguez captains a relatively inexperienced Honduras side, with the midfielder's 46 international caps making him the most capped player in June's squad.

Honduras predicted lineup vs. Argentina (4-3-3): Menjívar; Meléndez, Rosales, Vega, Mencía; Álvarez, Arriaga, Rodríguez; Rivas, Benguché Palma.

What Time Does Argentina vs. Honduras Kick Off?

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