Italy vs. Argentina: Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule

Argentina and Lionel Messi continue their FIFA 2018 World Cup preparations with an international friendly against Italy at the Etihad Stadium on Friday.

The Azzurri failed to qualify for the tournament in Russia but will be keen to make up for that disappointment and start the rebuilding process against Jorge Sampaoli's side at the home of Manchester City.

Here is how you can watch the game:

Date: Friday, March 23

Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT/3:45 p.m. ET

TV Information: beIN Sports USA

Stream: beIN Sports Connect USA, fuboTV 

Preview

All eyes will be on Messi in Manchester as the Barcelona star turns his attentions to the national team.

The 30-year-old has been in superb form this season with 25 La Liga goals and 12 assists. He's also looked pretty good in training with Argentina, as shown by the team's Instagram account:

Messi is not the only threat as the Albiceleste have a host of attacking options, allowing Sampaoli the luxury of leaving Mauro Icardi and Paulo Dybala out of his squad. The duo are now in danger of missing the World Cup, per journalist Daniel Edwards:

The team will also have to make do without Sergio Aguero as Sampaoli said on Thursday the Manchester City forward is not quite ready after a knee injury, per Sky Sports.

Despite the wealth of talent in the squad, Argentina made hard work of qualifying and needed a Messi hat-trick against Ecuador in their final fixture to secure automatic qualification. Sampaoli must find the right balance if his team are to be a success in Russia this summer.

Also searching for answers are Italy whose failure to secure a place in the finals sees them miss out for the first time since 1958. Coach Gian Piero Ventura was sacked in the wake of the play-off defeat to Sweden, with Luigi Di Biagio taking charge for the forthcoming friendlies against Argentina and England.

Di Biagio's squad selection has already sparked debate, with veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon included after he came out of international retirement, while the in-form Mario Balotelli has been left out:

The game against Argentina will be Italy's first since the death of defender Davide Astori. Di Biagio said there is "something is missing" but added that his side "must try to make things seem normal again," per Football Italia.

Italy have a point to prove after their dismal qualification campaign but lack the quality and strength in depth of recent years. Argentina also have plenty of flaws, but in Messi they have a player who can make the difference, and he may prove crucial again on Friday.