Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to the Argentina lineup, scoring twice and assisting on another goal in a commanding 4-1 victory over Guatemala. This friendly match, held in Landover, Maryland, marked Messi’s first international start since November, as he helped the team finalize its preparations for the 2024 Copa America.
Messi played the entire match for manager Lionel Scaloni, having come off the bench in a previous win against Ecuador. His performance was particularly encouraging, considering he missed several matches earlier in the year due to a hamstring injury. Against Guatemala, Messi’s sharpness was evident as he not only scored twice but also hit the woodwork with a free kick and set up another goal, alleviating any concerns about his form ahead of Argentina’s Copa America opener against Canada.
In addition to Messi’s standout performance, Lautaro Martinez also found the net twice, contributing significantly to Argentina’s offense. Martinez converted a penalty and later scored from open play, showcasing the depth of Argentina’s attacking prowess. The penalty was awarded after a foul on Valentin Carboni, who was brilliantly set up by Messi. This unselfish play highlighted Messi’s leadership and generosity on the field, a sentiment echoed by Scaloni post-match.
Despite Guatemala taking an early lead due to an unfortunate defensive error by Argentina, Messi quickly leveled the score by capitalizing on a mistake from Guatemala’s goalkeeper. This quick response set the tone for the rest of the match, with Argentina dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Messi’s involvement in the team’s play was crucial throughout the match. His second goal, a beautifully executed chip over the goalkeeper, came after a quick exchange with Angel Di Maria, capping off a stellar individual performance. Messi’s ability to link up with various teammates during the match provided valuable playing time and cohesion ahead of the Copa America.
As Argentina looks forward to their tournament opener, Messi’s return to form is a significant boost. His display against Guatemala not only demonstrated his enduring quality but also reassured fans and teammates of his readiness to lead Argentina in their quest for another Copa America title.