When Argentina was gearing up for the Copa America, Lionel Messi had a fantastic game, scoring two goals against Guatemala. This friendly face-off took place at Commanders Field, culminating in a 4-1 triumph for Argentina on Friday. Messi pulled a swift move, equalizing the score early on, then stylishly putting in Argentina’s fourth goal.
This was a remarkable comeback, as the world champs secured their last win before defending their Copa America title. Next up? A showdown with Canada in Atlanta the following Thursday. In a surprising turn of events, Guatemala scored an early goal just four minutes into the game at Commanders Field in Landover.
The unexpected score came from a left-sided free-kick set into play by Oscar Santis, which left the Argentina defence bewildered. As the ball unpredictably traversed the six-yard box, Manchester United’s own Lisandro Martinez unintentionally redirected Santis’s cross, resulting in an own goal.
Argentina didn’t linger behind for long and managed to tie the game in just the 12th minute. This happened after Guatemala’s goalie, Nicholas Hagen, made a terrible mistake. Without any significant pressure, Hagen misdirected his clearance from a back pass. It went straight to Messi who was left wide open in the center of the penalty box.
The leader of Argentina immediately made good use of the situation. He skillfully scored his impressive 107th goal internationally. After that, the big question hanging in the air was if and when Argentina would score again. Guatemala, on the other hand, was on the defensive, thereby triggering more pressure.
At the 39-minute mark, Argentina finally snatched the lead. This occurred right after Nicolas Samayoa, a Guatemalan defender, tackled Valentin Carboni. Valentin’s quick moves to the sideline triggered the incident. Messi was there with an option to launch the penalty, but he passed it over.
Guess who came for the challenge? It was Lautaro Martinez. He assertively took the penalty shot, sending it straight into the goal. And just like that, with his fire in the game, they were leading, 2-1.
Just before halftime, Argentina nearly widened their lead. Messi’s impressive free-kick from the fringe of the penalty area ricocheted off the post’s interior. A swift turnaround saw Lautaro Martinez’s high overhead kick hitting the goal’s frame too.
Lisandro Martinez, of Manchester United, tried to corral the scattered ball into the goal. However, the officials flagged him for offside, denying the goal.
At the 66-minute mark, the Argentines pushed the score to 3-1 with a well-coordinated strike. Messi spotted Enzo Fernandez with room to maneuver near the area’s fringe. The Chelsea player then zigzagged a return pass to Messi within the penalty box.
The Inter Miami prodigy made his first move, setting up Lautaro Martinez for an understandable nearby goal. Later, Messi bagged his second score of the match at the 77-minute mark, seizing a brilliant pass from companion veteran Angel Di Maria. He cleverly hoisted the ball over Hagen for a 4-1 result.