Lionel Messi masterclass leads to Argentina’s thumping win over Guatemala
Lionel Messi was up to his usual tricks as Argentina beat Guatemala by four goals to one.
Follow Us
Lionel Messi (L) (via IMAGO)
Lionel Messi is one of the very best this sport has had to offer in its entire history. The former Barcelona man and Inter Miami captain was up to his usual tricks as Argentina took on Guatemala in a friendly ahead of the Copa America. La Albiceleste comfortably picked up a 4-1 win against the visitors as Messi orchestrated the game at its very heart.
Fans were left in awe as the veteran picked up two goals and an assist against a Guatemalan side who were clearly second best. After failing to score or assist against Ecuador in Argentina‘s last game, the No.10 opened the account for his side with one of the most easy goals of his career. The forward intercepted a pass from the opposition keeper, leaving him with the easy task of rolling the ball into the back of the net.
The No.10’s next goal contribution came in the second half when he expertly played the ball to Lautaro Martinez after receiving a sublime pass from Enzo Fernandez. Messi ended the game with a second goal, set up by Angel Di Maria, before Messi finished the move off with a chipped finish past Nicholas Hagen.
Fans were at a loss for words for their captain as he began to pick up form right ahead of the Copa America.
Emphatic win for Argentina sends strong message ahead of Copa America
The 2024 Copa America kicks off six days from now, on the 21st of June. Defending champions Argentina take on Canada in the opening group stage game in Group A. In their last friendly ahead of the tournament, Lionel Messi started the game after sitting out the majority of the game against Ecuador earlier this week.
Argentina went behind in the early minutes of the game owing to an own goal from Lisandro Martìnez. It didn’t take long for the champions to bounce back, as Lionel Messi equalized from a goalkeeping error. Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina the lead after comfortably dispatching a penalty minutes before half-time. Messi came close to scoring from a brilliant free-kick as he hit the woodwork. Martinez then doubled his tally from an easy tap-in set up by none other than Messi.
In the final minutes of the game, Di Maria combined with the No.10 to make it 106 International goals for the latter, though he recently stated that numbers do not matter to him. Messi and co. are better than ever as they go into the prestigious tournament. Despite being favorites to defend their crown, the likes of Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia will offer tough competition.
In case you missed it:
- Lionel Messi, at 36, aspires to end his club career at Inter Miami
- ‘Motivated’ Kylian Mbappe eyes Euro glory in his first competition as France’s captain
Stay Updated!
Sherwin Shaju
(1306 Articles Published)