Match Delay Threatens Argentina and Burkina Faso Fixture at Estadio Monumental
As the clock ticked down toward a 21:00 local time kickoff on Saturday, October 3, 2025, the international friendly between Argentina and Burkina Faso faced cancellation when the visiting African delegation was delayed in Morocco after a charter flight company canceled its service without warning, as reported by Soy del Millo. The squad landed at Ezeiza International Airport past 15:30 on matchday—giving the traveling team less than six hours before the scheduled start at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. While the senior players of Burkina Faso ultimately decided against traveling due to the accumulated exhaustion, the fixture proceeded with an under-23 squad representing the visitors, according to La Página Millonaria. The Federación Burkinesa de Fútbol informed the inconvenience, and it was expected that the team would arrive in Argentina on Saturday at 13:00, nine hours before the scheduled start. The decision held firm despite a request from the AFA, the Burkinabe Football Federation, and the government of that country.
Scaloni Finalizes the Lineup Amid Last-Minute Travel Chaos
Faced with a makeshift opponent and severe scheduling disruptions, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni utilized the fixture to evaluate squad depth. The Albiceleste starting XI featured Emiliano Martínez in goal, backed by a defensive line of Agustín Giay, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Facundo Medina. In midfield, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister anchored the center alongside attacking options Nicolás Paz and Gianluca Prestianni, while Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez led the attack, as detailed by La Página Millonaria. The encounter served as the second of three matches on Argentina’s fixture calendar for this international break, following a 4-0 victory against Bolivia in Córdoba. Considering the context and characteristics of the friendly, Scaloni took advantage of the opportunity to test players. Nicolás Otamendi, by contrast, only played against Benin during this international window.
Santiago Beltrán Awaits His Chance on the Bench
River Plate goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán secured a place among the substitutes after being left out of the matchday squad entirely during the previous win over Bolivia in Córdoba, according to reports from El Intransigente and La Página Millonaria. At 21 years old, Beltrán experienced a swift rise during the 2026 season, stepping into the starting role at River after an injury to Franco Armani during the summer pre-season. With 38 appearances, 32 goals conceded, and 15 clean sheets for his club, the young goalkeeper remains evaluated by the national team coaching staff alongside established options Juan Musso and Gerónimo Rulli. Despite remaining on the bench against Burkina Faso, Beltrán represents a long-term projection for the Albiceleste, drawing attention from European clubs including Atlético de Madrid, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Manchester United, Inter, and Juventus, as outlined by El Intransigente. River is negotiating with Gustavo Goñi to extend his contract, which expires in December 2027, until December 2029, improve his salary, and raise the release clause from 25 million dollars to 100 million euros.
Broadcast Details and Upcoming Fixtures at the Monumental
The fixture at the Estadio Monumental was broadcast live across Argentina via TyC Sports and Telefé. Following the clash against Burkina Faso, the Albiceleste remain in Buenos Aires to host Benin on Tuesday, October 6, 2025, at 20:00 local time at the Monumental, a match designated as Lionel Messi’s farewell appearance with the national team, according to Soy del Millo.
