Argentina heads into Friday’s friendly against Angola with a list of absences that caught even the most distracted fans off guard. Three players, Nahuel Molina, Giuliano Simeone, and Julián Álvarez, were left out of the trip for an unusual reason at this level of soccer: they didn’t get their yellow fever vaccine within the required time. The Argentine Soccer Association (AFA) confirmed that all three, who play for Atlético de Madrid, were cut because they didn’t complete the mandatory health procedures in time to enter the African country.
When a small detail becomes the main story
A missed vaccine deadline isn’t just an administrative error, it’s a slip that tarnishes the level of professionalism expected from a team that recently conquered the world. Especially after the pandemic period, when some were still skeptical about vaccines. It’s the kind of situation that doesn’t just affect a friendly match but also dents the image of efficiency the AFA tries to project.
The absence of Julián Álvarez, a key forward, hurts the most. Even though the game is mostly ceremonial, marking the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence, having the Atlético de Madrid striker on the roster would have added symbolic weight to the event. Giuliano Simeone and Molina, both young players on the rise, also miss an important chance to gain minutes wearing the national team jersey.
Planning, communication, and image
This episode goes beyond a simple oversight. Managing vaccines, visas, and travel deadlines is a basic part of any international delegation’s routine. When that process fails, the message is one of carelessness, something that doesn’t match the standards Argentina has achieved under Lionel Scaloni.
Meanwhile, the coach is trying to keep the focus on soccer. The team is training in Alicante, Spain, before flying to Africa. The squad is still without Enzo Fernández from Chelsea, who’s recovering from a bone edema in his knee and will be rested. The idea is to use the match to adjust the team’s rhythm and give reserves some playing time. On the other hand, the team will feature its main star, Messi.
Still, the bigger picture is clear. The Angolan federation reportedly spent around 12 million euros to host the match, a hefty investment to celebrate its independence with the reigning world champions on the field. From Argentina’s side, the setback with the vaccines dulls part of the event’s shine and raises a red flag within the team’s own structure. In this friendly, the focus should’ve been on celebrating soccer, not explaining delayed vaccinations.