MESSI POWERS ARGENTINA PAST GUATEMALA

LANDOVER, Maryland — Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina wrapped up their preparations for the Copa America with a 4-1 friendly victory over Guatemala in Maryland on Friday (Saturday in Manila).

Messi grabbed an early equalizer and then dinked in Argentina's fourth as the world champions came from behind in what was their final game before they launch the defense of their Copa America crown against Canada in Atlanta next Thursday.

Guatemala took a shock lead after only four minutes at Commanders Field in Landover when a free-kick from Oscar Santis from wide on the left sowed confusion in the Argentina defense.

Santis' cross bobbled across the six-yard box and ended with Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez scooping an attempted clearance into his net for an own goal.

But Argentina did not have to wait long to get back on level terms and equalized in the 12th minute after a disastrous blunder by Guatemala goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen.

Under no real pressure, Hagen screwed an attempted clearance from a back pass straight to an unmarked Messi in the middle of the penalty area.

The Argentina captain duly took full advantage of his gift-wrapped opportunity, taking a touch and coolly tucking away his 107th international goal.

Thereafter, it was a question of when not if Argentina would add their second, with Guatemala sitting deep and inviting pressure.

Argentina eventually took the lead from the penalty spot on 39 minutes after Guatemala defender Nicolas Samayoa chopped down Valentin Carboni after the 19-year-old forward darted to the byline.

Messi elected to pass up the opportunity of the spot-kick, and instead it was Lautaro Martinez who stepped up to fire home the penalty and make it 2-1.

2024-06-15T16:20:33Z dg43tfdfdgfd