In a dazzling display of football, Argentina secured a 4-1 victory over Guatemala in a Copa America warmup friendly, with Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez emerging as standout performers. The match, held at Commanders Field, saw La Albiceleste overcome an early setback to dominate their opponents.
The game started with a shock as Lisandro Martinez accidentally turned a set piece into his own goal, giving Guatemala an unexpected lead just four minutes in. However, Argentina quickly bounced back when a misjudged clearance from Guatemala’s goalkeeper, Nicholas Hagen, landed at Messi’s feet. The Inter Miami star calmly slotted the ball into the empty net to level the score.
Martinez put Argentina ahead before halftime, converting a penalty in the 39th minute after Valentin Carboni won the spot-kick. Martinez almost scored again with an acrobatic bicycle kick, but his attempt was denied by a stellar save.
After the break, Argentina took full control. Martinez netted his second goal, finishing off a well-orchestrated move that saw Enzo Fernandez find Messi, who then set up Martinez for an easy tap-in. Messi sealed the victory with a delightful chip over the keeper following a pass from Angel Di Maria.
Messi, who was at his mesmerizing best, received high praise for his performance.
“As eye-catching as ever on the ball, Messi set up Martinez’s second and bagged a terrific third,” the ratings noted, giving him a 9/10 for his efforts.
Lautaro Martinez also impressed, notching two goals and showing his potential to secure a starting spot in the upcoming Copa America.
“Martinez converted from the penalty spot and eventually got his brace,” the report highlighted, rating him 8/10.
Argentina’s midfield and defense had mixed performances. Emi Martinez had a shaky start but settled as the game progressed, earning a 6/10. Enzo Fernandez and Giovani Lo Celso were instrumental in midfield, with Fernandez earning a 7/10 for his playmaking skills.
Substitutes like Angel Di Maria and Julian Alvarez made significant impacts, with Di Maria almost scoring with a bicycle kick and setting up Messi’s second goal.
Coach Lionel Scaloni, who maintained Messi in the lineup and made strategic defensive adjustments, received a 7/10. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s recovery after conceding early, highlighting the importance of such friendlies in preparing for the Copa America.
“Argentina played at half of their usual quality and grabbed themselves a convincing win,” the ratings summary concluded, reflecting the team’s potential and depth as they gear up for the tournament.