It goes up a notch for Argentina. After a sluggish success against Ecuador (1-0) in Chicago, the Albiceleste continued its preparation for the Copa America with a more convincing success against Guatemala (4-1), Friday evening, in the Washington Commanders stadium (NFL).
After conceding the opener on a CSC from Lisandro Martinez (0-1, 4th), the world champions were revived by the equalizer from the inevitable Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or did not have to force his talent. The goal was offered to him by the Guatemalan goalkeeper, from a missed recovery, which allowed “La Pulga” to score in the empty goal (1-1, 12th).
Double for Lautaro, double for Messi
In the second half, Messi and Argentina accelerated, with an assist from the former Barcelona player, on the edge of offside, for Lautaro Martinez (3-1, 66th), who had scored from the penalty spot just before the break (2-1, 39th). Messi also scored a double, placing one of his usual left-footed dives on an opening from Angel Di Maria (4-1, 77th).
Argentina quickly regained its World Cup bearings by playing 4-4-2, with Lautaro Martinez then Julian Alvarez alongside Messi. In the middle, the young Valentin Carboni (19 years old, Monza) was associated with the trio MacAllister-Fernandez-Lo Celso, while Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes came into play, in addition to Di Maria.
