A Powerful Earthquake in Southern Mexico Shakes Neighboring Countries A significant earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale struck southern Mexico on Friday, sending tremors across Guatemala and El Salvador. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake’s epicenter was located 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdán, a town in the Mexican state of Chiapas. The tremors caused moderate to severe shaking along the coastal regions, prompting the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) to issue a caution that hazardous tsunami waves could affect areas within 300 kilometers of the epicenter. Guatemala observed several small tsunami waves, with water levels rising less than one meter above the tide. However, authorities stated the threat was minimal, and the PTWC later confirmed the danger had subsided. Mexico’s Secretary of the Navy, Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles, assured that no major issues had arisen in the country following the quake. He noted that while some beaches experienced water levels rising by up to half a meter, the public was advised to avoid coastal areas temporarily. No fatalities have been reported in Mexico at this time, according to the government. However, at least four people were injured in Chiapas, where authorities addressed gas leaks, collapsed walls, detached ceiling panels, and minor structural damage. The state’s civil protection service confirmed these incidents. Salomón Jara Cruz, governor of Oaxaca, reported that the quake was felt with moderate intensity in the state’s capital but noted no significant damage. Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo announced that no deaths had been confirmed yet, with emergency response teams actively deploying. At least one person was hospitalized, and several homes and buildings sustained damage.#usgs #mexico #el_salvador #guatemala #pacific_tsunami_warning_center
Argentina’s Last World Cup Tune-Up Canceled, Leaving Scaloni’s Squad Untested Against Europe Argentina faces uncertainty as its final pre-World Cup preparation match against Spain was scrapped due to the cancellation of the Finalissima tournament in Qatar. The decision to cancel the friendly, which was originally scheduled to take place in the Middle East, has forced the South American giants to scramble for alternatives in this month’s international window. After weeks of frantic negotiations, Argentina has opted to face Guatemala in a home fixture on March 31. Since winning the 2022 World Cup, Argentina has dominated South American qualifying, securing four victories in 18 matches, and claimed the 2024 Copa América title. However, the team has yet to face a meaningful challenge in recent friendlies, which have been low-level affairs. The biggest question mark remains whether Lionel Messi will participate in his sixth World Cup, as his availability is still uncertain. The cancellation of the Finalissima, a fixture designed to test Argentina’s readiness against European teams, has left the squad without a high-profile opponent ahead of the tournament. The match was intended to provide a realistic simulation of the World Cup’s intensity, but its abrupt cancellation has raised concerns about the team’s preparation. Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, has faced pressure to ensure his squad is fully prepared for the global stage. The absence of a strong test against Europe could leave the team untested in critical moments. Scaloni’s squad has relied heavily on its recent successes in South American competitions, but the lack of European opposition may expose weaknesses in their tactical approach. The decision to face Guatemala, a team ranked significantly lower in international football, has drawn criticism from analysts.#argentina #spain #finalissima #lionel_scaloni #guatemala
