Germany and Argentina clash again 52 days after contesting the World Cup final, albeit with less at stake when the sides meet for a friendly in Duesseldorf. It may seem incongruous to celebrate winning the World Cup with the defeated side in attendance, but Wednesday’s game was organized last March, well before Mario Goetze scored in injury time on July 13 to give Germany its fourth title with a 1-0 win.

Some 40,000 fans turned up to celebrate Joachim Loew’s side during Monday’s open training session and Argentina will be keen to dampen their mood, particularly after German players poked fun at the beaten finalists on their return from Brazil with their “Gaucho dance” in Berlin.

Both sides are beginning new eras as they meet for the second time in two months. Argentina have a new coach, Gerardo Martino, appointed to continue the work of predecessor Alejandro Sabella, who stepped down following the World Cup final after almost three years in charge.

Germany has had to contend with several high-profile retirements. Record scorer Miroslav Klose, experienced defender Per Mertesacker and captain Philipp Lahm all hung up their boots after success in Brazil, the latter despite being 30 years old and arguably at his peak. Loew looks set to name a new captain on Tuesday.

Argentina star Lionel Messi will miss the match with a right leg injury. Defender Ezequiel Garay, midfielder Maxi Rodriguez and forward Rodrigo Palacio are also ruled out.

Apart from the retirees, who will all be honored before kickoff, Germany will be without midfielder Mesut Ozil due to an ankle injury, while Bastian Schweinsteiger and Shkodran Mustafi are also out.

In other international friendlies on Wednesday France take on Spain, England face Norway, Czech Republic play USA while Italy take on Netherlands

LIve: Germany vs Argentina, 12:30AM, Sony Six