Argentina Relocates Friendlies to U.S. After China Cancels Matches Over Messi Dispute

The cancellation followed backlash against Lionel Messi's absence in Hong Kong, leading to new matches against El Salvador and Nigeria in the United States.

Argentina's national team will play two friendly matches in the United States instead of China after the latter cancelled the games due to Lionel Messi's absence in a game in Hong Kong.
Messi, who was deemed unfit to play in Hong Kong due to an inflamed adductor, faced backlash from Chinese fans and officials, leading to the cancellation of the scheduled friendlies against Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
The Argentine Football Association quickly arranged alternative matches against El Salvador in Philadelphia on March 22 and Nigeria in Los Angeles on March 26.
Messi's absence in Hong Kong and the subsequent fallout highlight the significant impact of sports diplomacy and the sensitivity of international relations.
The relocation of the friendlies to the U.S. underscores the flexibility and adaptability of international sports scheduling in response to unforeseen circumstances.