Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina completed their preparations for the Copa America with a convincing 4-1 friendly victory over Guatemala in Maryland on Friday.
Messi leveled the score early on and sealed Argentina’s win with their fourth goal. This match served as their final warm-up before they begin their Copa America title defense against Canada in Atlanta next Thursday.
Guatemala stunned Argentina by taking the lead just four minutes into the match at Commanders Field in Landover. Oscar Santis’ free-kick from the left flank caused confusion in the Argentine defense, resulting in the opening goal.
Santis’s cross bounced through the six-yard box and led to an own goal by Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, who inadvertently scooped his attempted clearance into the net.
Argentina swiftly equalized in the 12th minute after a critical error by Guatemala goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen. Despite no apparent pressure, Hagen mishit a clearance from a back pass directly to Lionel Messi, who was unmarked in the center of the penalty area.
Argentina seized the lead from a penalty kick in the 39th minute, awarded after Guatemala defender Nicolas Samayoa fouled Valentin Carboni as the young forward dashed towards the byline.
Rather than taking the spot-kick himself, Messi chose to defer, allowing Lautaro Martinez to step forward and confidently convert, putting Argentina ahead 2-1.