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Welcome to your first official international break as an MLS team. Yes, it is boring. Thankfully, Atlanta United have four different players playing for their countries to help us pass the time until March 31st. Carlos Carmona, Miguel Almiron, Josef Martinez, and Kenwyne Jones are all playing matches during this break. This first matchday offers us some tasty match-ups, including Chile taking on the No. 1 team in the world in Argentina.
Argentina vs. Chile
This is an exciting match-up of two of the top four teams in the world, according to FIFA. If Carmona sees the field he could be pitted against the likes of Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala, Angel Di Maria, and Sergio Aguero. Both countries are in the middle of the 10-team group for CONMEBOL. Chile sit in the fourth and final guaranteed qualification spot with 20 points, while Argentina are in the fifth playoff spot with 19. It’s a crucial match for both, but arguably more so for Argentina who are at home. (Carmona on the bench)
How to Watch
Kickoff: Thursday, March 23, 7:30 p.m. ET
Available TV: beIN SPORTS en Español
Available Streams: fuboTV (free trial), beIN Sports Connect, Sling TV, go90
Paraguay vs. Ecuador
Last year in Paraguay’s latest World Cup qualifiers, Miguel Almiron was sparsely used as a reserve player. With his hot start with Atlanta United it’ll be interesting to see if he gets more of a chance to impact their matches, possibly even as a starter. The Fightin’ Almiron’s have a lot of work to do if they are to clinch a trip to Russia as they currently sit in 7th, four points behind Argentina for the playoff spot. (Almiron starting)
How to Watch
Kickoff: Thursday, March 23, 7:00 p.m. ET
Available TV: N/A
Available Streams: fuboTV (free trial), beIN Sports Connect
Venezuela vs. Peru
Unlike Almiron, Josef Martinez is a first-choice starter for his country on a regular basis. In a 5-0 win over Bolivia in November he scored a hat trick (sounds familiar). They’d be insane not to keep him in the lineup considering his amazing start with Atlanta. Hopefully he can keep bagging the goals while on international duty. Unfortunately, it won’t much matter for Venezuela if he does, because they are dead last in the CONEMBOL table with just five points. (Josef starting)
How to Watch
Kickoff: Thursday, March 23, 7:30 p.m. ET
Available TV: N/A
Available Streams: fuboTV (free trial), beIN Sports Connect
Trinidad & Tobago vs. Panama
It’s been a slow start for Kenwyne Jones in his Atlanta United career. He’s start the season off as a reserve player, coming off the bench a few times. There’s still reason to believe he’ll be a big part of the team. His veteran presence and track record of scoring goals all over the world will be of great use throughout the season. Maybe a chance with the Soca Warriors can get him off and running in 2017? T&T are looking for their first points of the CONCACAF Hex as they are next to the USMNT at the bottom of the standings through two matches. (Kenwyne starts)
How to Watch
Kickoff: Friday, March 24, 7:00 p.m. ET
Available TV: beIN Sports
Available Streams: fuboTV (free trial), beIN Sports Connect, Sling TV, go90