Even the Argentina national team faces the potential wrath of Hurricane Milton.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni shared yesterday that the team, based in their home away-from-home training center in Ft. Lauderdale, is still trying to fly out today.
The team intended to arrive in Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon, just a day ahead of Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Venezuela.
But Hurricane Milton has become a category 5 and is set to hit the Florida coast on Wednesday night.
“The security issue is delicate,” Scaloni told reporters after Tuesday’s practice.
“The game is important, but the security issue is even more important. When one talks about wind and hurricanes, it happens near or far that if the airport is open, well. In that sense, yes, we are worried and waiting to see if it is true that we can travel tomorrow.
“We are not certain. On that side we are worried.”
Scaloni requested to leave on Tuesday but was denied the request. Due to long-standing travel restrictions between the United States and Venezuela, the team can’t fly directly from American soil to Maturín. The team has a layover in Barranquilla, Colombia, before departing for their final destination.
“It will be difficult for us,” said Scaolini.
“We will arrive just one day before the game. We have to make a stop because they are not allowing flights from American soil directly to Venezuela.
“These are things that do not depend on us. We have had bad luck with this situation. But the most important thing is the safety and health for the players and the rest of us.”
According to FuerzVT, Argentina requests that FIFA and CONMEBOL delay the match until Friday. The organization has yet to grant the request.
Lionel Messi and La Albiceleste have been training at the GOAT’s home club’s facilities of Inter Miami.
Messi is back with the national team after suffering an ankle injury in the Copa American final. A week ago, Messi guided Inter Miami to their first Supporters’ Shiled with a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew.
The current world champions rank first in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying with 18 points.
