Argentina’s last big World Cup tune-up vanishes and leaves Scaloni”s squad untested vs Europe

BUENOS AIRES: (Mar 17)  Three months before its World Cup defense, Argentina lost a great chance to gauge where it’s at against European champion Spain when the Finalissima was canceled.

Since winning the 2022 World Cup, Argentina has steamrolled through South American qualifying — four defeats in 18 matches — won the 2024 Copa América and played 11 low-key friendlies and won them all.

Coach Lionel Scaloni was counting on facing Spain this month to clear up the great uncertainty of captain Lionel Messi ‘s availability for the World Cup, evaluate other starters and assess younger prospects.