Argentina vs Costa Rica

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is the venue as Argentina and Costa Rica go head-to-head in a lopsided international friendly.

Argentina’s preparations for the upcoming Copa America got off to a flying start as they steamrolled to a 3-0 victory against El Salvador, making it 16 wins in their last 17 internationals (L1). The only blemish on that run was a 2-0 home defeat to Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifying, which failed to remove them from the top spot in the CONMEBOL confederation. Moreover, that loss is one of Argentina’s only two since July 2016, suggesting a repeat of their 3-0 thumping of Costa Rica in 2011 is on the cards. Lionel Scaloni’s impenetrable defense should keep their end of the bargain, knowing Argentina’s last ten victories have yielded a clean sheet. However, another free-scoring performance remains questionable as Lionel Messi is unavailable due to injury.

On the other hand, Costa Rica’s warm-up campaign for the 2024 Copa America is about to start after a 3-1 victory against Honduras in the CONCACAF Nations League play-off booked their spot at the summer’s tournament. However, Los Ticos have blown hot and cold since their scoreless draw against El Salvador in July 2023, with none of their last eight internationals ending level (W4, L4). High scoring has been a common theme in that sequence, as all but two of those eight matches featured over 2.5 goals. Worryingly for manager Gustavo Alfaro, his men have conceded 2+ goals in 50% of those games, which paints a bleak picture ahead of this clash against the world champions.