Lionel Messi’s brilliance was on full display in Landover, Maryland, on Friday night as Argentina secured a convincing 4-1 win over Guatemala in their final friendly match before the Copa America. The match, a crucial preparatory game for the South American champions, saw Messi score twice, showcasing his immense talent and reinforcing Argentina’s status as one of the tournament favorites.
Guatemala, ranked far lower than their illustrious opponents, took a surprising early lead. Just four minutes into the match, a seemingly innocuous free-kick from Oscar Santis turned into a defensive nightmare for Argentina. Santis’s cross, delivered from wide on the left, skidded unpredictably across the six-yard box. In a moment of utter confusion, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez attempted to clear the ball but ended up slicing it into his own net. The unexpected goal silenced the Argentine supporters and set an unexpected precedent for the match.
However, Argentina’s response was swift and emphatic. In the 12th minute, a catastrophic error by Guatemala’s goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen allowed Messi to level the score. Under no significant pressure, Hagen disastrously misjudged a clearance from a back-pass, sending the ball straight to an unmarked Messi in the center of the penalty area. The Barcelona legend, known for his composure and precision, made no mistake, capitalizing on the error with a deft finish to score his 107th international goal.
Messi’s equalizer seemed to rejuvenate Argentina, who began to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the game. They played with renewed vigor and creativity, probing Guatemala’s defense with relentless attacks. The midfield, orchestrated by Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes, was particularly effective, helping to transition play and link up with the forward line seamlessly.
In the 34th minute, Argentina took the lead through Lautaro Martinez. A cleverly weighted pass from De Paul found Martinez in space, and the Inter Milan striker produced a clinical finish to put Argentina ahead. This goal underscored the growing confidence within the Argentine camp, as they began to play with more freedom and assurance.
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Just before half-time, Julian Alvarez added a third goal for Argentina. A well-worked team move saw Alvarez receive the ball on the edge of the box. His initial shot was blocked, but he pounced on the rebound, striking a powerful effort that left Hagen with no chance. The teams went into the break with Argentina firmly in control at 3-1.
The second half continued in a similar vein, with Argentina controlling the pace and flow of the game. Guatemala, despite their spirited start, struggled to regain their footing and rarely troubled the Argentine defense. Manager Lionel Scaloni made several changes, giving opportunities to fringe players and preserving the fitness of key starters ahead of their opening Copa America match against Canada in Atlanta.
In the 70th minute, Messi capped off a magnificent individual performance by scoring Argentina’s fourth goal. After a slick passing move, substitute Giovani Lo Celso delivered a precise cross into the box. Messi, timing his run to perfection, flicked the ball over the advancing Hagen with exquisite skill, securing his second goal of the night and reaffirming his inimitable prowess in front of goal.
The remaining minutes of the match saw Argentina maintain their dominance, comfortably seeing out the game while continuing to create opportunities. Guatemala, meanwhile, showed glimpses of potential but were ultimately outclassed by the superior footballing acumen of their opponents.
This match result provides a significant confidence boost for Argentina as they look to defend their Copa America title. Their performance, particularly that of Messi, sends a clear warning to other contenders about the formidable challenge Argentina poses. The victory in Maryland sets a reassuring tone for their aspirations in the upcoming tournament, signaling a team that is well-prepared, cohesive, and inspired by their star captain.
As they turn their attention to the Copa America, Argentina’s fans can take solace in the team’s excellent form and Messi’s remarkable ability to influence games. The journey towards another Copa America triumph begins with a clash against Canada, and if their performance against Guatemala is anything to go by, Argentina will be a force to be reckoned with.
