Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni expressed concerns over traveling to Venezuela for a World Cup qualifier due to Hurricane Milton. The hurricane poses significant risks as it approaches Florida, where the team is training. Travel plans have become uncertain, with potential flight disruptions and player injuries affecting preparations. Lionel Messi has returned to fitness, bolstering the team’s morale as they currently lead the South American qualifying standings.
Miami: Argentina’s national football team is currently facing uncertainty regarding their travel plans to Venezuela for an upcoming World Cup qualifier due to Hurricane Milton, which is approaching Florida’s west coast. The hurricane, classified as a category five storm, swept across the Gulf of Mexico and poses a significant threat to Florida, where the Argentine squad is undergoing training ahead of their scheduled match on Thursday in Maturin, located in northeastern Venezuela. Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, addressed the media from the team’s training base in Fort Lauderdale. He emphasized the importance of player safety over the upcoming match, stating, “The game is important but the safety issue is even more important.” The team had initially planned to depart on Tuesday but has been delayed by severe weather concerns. Currently, local authorities have issued alerts for tropical storms and potential flooding, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declaring a state of emergency in over 50 counties. The impending hurricane has already resulted in the cancellation of numerous flights to and from Florida and the temporary closure of several airports. Scaloni remarked on the logistical challenges presented by the situation, highlighting that the team would now arrive in Venezuela just one day before the match. Furthermore, due to restrictions on direct flights from the United States to Venezuela, the squad will have to make a stopover during their travels. In addition to travel disruptions, Argentina is also contending with player injuries; Marcos Acuña and Alejandro Garnacho are facing fitness challenges, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is suspended for the match. However, Scaloni confirmed that captain Lionel Messi is in good health, having returned to form after missing previous qualifiers due to an ankle injury. Scaloni noted, “Leo is fine. He played several games before joining us and that’s what he needed, to get minutes.” As it stands, Argentina leads the South American World Cup qualifying round with a total of 18 points from eight matches, holding a two-point lead over second-placed Colombia. Following their match against Venezuela, Argentina is slated to face Bolivia in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, October 15.
Hurricane Milton poses a significant threat to Florida, specifically affecting the travel plans of the Argentina national football team. The storm, categorized as a category five hurricane, threatens to disrupt key logistics for the team as they prepare for World Cup qualification matches. The Argentine team’s current training camp in Fort Lauderdale is directly impacted, creating uncertainties about their scheduled departure to Venezuela. Furthermore, the effects of the hurricane, including flight cancellations and state emergency declarations, showcase the extent of the disruptions not only for sports but also for civilian travel in the region.
In summary, Argentina’s preparations for their critical World Cup qualifier against Venezuela are hindered by Hurricane Milton’s threat, which raises significant safety concerns. Manager Lionel Scaloni has underscored the importance of safety over the game, while also navigating through logistical challenges due to flight restrictions and player injuries. Despite the obstacles, the team looks to maintain its strong position in the qualifying standings as they aim to compete effectively against Venezuela and Bolivia.
Original Source: english.mathrubhumi.com
