Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

Messi Shines as Argentina Defeats Guatemala 4-1 in Copa America Warm-Up

Posted : 15 June 2024

Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina completed their Copa America preparations with a commanding 4-1 friendly victory over Guatemala in Maryland on Friday. Messi's early equalizer and later finish highlighted Argentina's comeback after initially trailing, setting the stage for their title defense against Canada in Atlanta next Thursday.

 

Guatemala unexpectedly took the lead just four minutes into the match at Commanders Field in Landover. A free-kick from Oscar Santis created confusion in Argentina's defense, resulting in Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez inadvertently scoring an own goal. However, Argentina quickly responded, with Messi capitalizing on a goalkeeper error to level the score in the 12th minute, notching his 107th international goal.

 

The momentum shifted firmly in Argentina's favor as Guatemala struggled to withstand the pressure. Argentina went ahead from the penalty spot in the 39th minute after Nicolas Samayoa fouled Valentin Carboni. Although Messi passed on the chance to take the penalty, Lautaro Martinez converted it to make it 2-1. Argentina nearly extended their lead just before halftime, but efforts from Messi and Lautaro Martinez were thwarted by the woodwork and an offside call.

 

In the second half, Argentina continued their dominance, adding a third goal in the 66th minute through a well-executed team move involving Messi and Enzo Fernandez, finished by Lautaro Martinez. Messi capped off the victory with his second goal in the 77th minute, delicately chipping the ball over the goalkeeper after receiving a perfect pass from Angel Di Maria. The victory leaves Argentina well-prepared for their upcoming Copa America campaign.

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :