Fri Oct 11 01:29:17 UTC 2024: ## Argentina’s World Cup Qualifying Trip Threatened by Hurricane Milton

**Fort Lauderdale, FL** – Argentina’s national football team is facing a potential travel disruption ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela on October 10th. The team is currently training in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but Hurricane Milton, a category 5 storm set to make landfall on the west coast of Florida, has thrown their travel plans into disarray.

While Fort Lauderdale itself is not expected to be directly in the hurricane’s path, the area is under a tropical storm warning and flood watch. This has raised concerns about potential airport closures and disruptions to airline travel, impacting Argentina’s planned departure on Wednesday.

“The security issue is delicate,” said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, expressing concern about the situation. “The game is important, but the security issue is even more important. We are worried and waiting to see if we can travel tomorrow.”

Scaloni initially requested to travel on Tuesday as a precaution but was denied. If weather permits, Argentina will now arrive in Venezuela just one day before the match, making logistical preparations significantly more challenging.

“It will be difficult for us,” Scaloni admitted. “We have to make a stop because they are not allowing flights from American soil directly to Venezuela. We have had bad luck with this situation [weather and logistics].”

Despite the travel concerns, the team has been able to train as scheduled. Captain Lionel Messi has participated in all training sessions and is expected to feature in the upcoming qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia.

“Leo is fine,” Scaloni assured. “He played several games before coming with us, and that’s what he needed, to get minutes. Now he’s fit, he’s fine and he’ll be part of the team.”

Argentina, however, will be missing Marcos Acuña and Alejandro Garnacho due to injuries, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is suspended by FIFA.

Argentina currently leads the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings with 18 points from eight games. The team’s focus remains on securing a place in the 2026 World Cup, despite the current travel complications caused by Hurricane Milton.

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