Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi (R) argues with Brazilian first assistant referee Emerson Augusto de Carvalho during the half time of their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia South American qualifier football match against Chile, at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, on March 23, 2017. The FIFA on March 28, 2017 suspended Messi for four Argentina games. / AFP PHOTO
Israel will host Argentina for a friendly on June 9, days before the start of the World Cup in Russia, Israel’s football federation said on Thursday.
Argentina’s players cheer each other after extra time of the semi-final football match between Netherlands and Argentina of the FIFA World Cup at The Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on July 9, 2014. AFP PHOTO / CHRISTOPHE SIMON
Israel’s federation has agreed to pay $3 million to host the match with the two-time World Cup winners (1978 and 1986) who were also finalists in 2014, Israeli media reported.
The amount could be reduced by half if star Lionel Messi does not play out of fear of being injured before the World Cup, the reports said.
The location of the match has not yet been announced, with details of the contract still being worked out, the federation said.
Israel did not qualify for the World Cup.
Argentina will play their first World Cup match on June 16 against Iceland before also facing Croatia and Nigeria in Group D.
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