Argentina just defeated Guatemala 4-1 in the last friendly match before attending the 2024 Copa America. Notably, Messi started the comeback with a goal falling from the sky.
Messi scored a goal falling from the sky
In the final rehearsal before the Copa America, the defending champion suddenly let his 108th FIFA ranked opponent take the lead in the 4th minute. After Rubin’s free kick, Emiliano Martinez blocked it, but the ball hit Molina and bounced back to the goal. goal, and Lisandro Martinez accidentally scored an own goal.
But just 8 minutes later, Argentina equalized from a rather lucky situation. Instead of kicking the ball quickly up, the Guatemalan defense passed back and forth in the penalty area, and goalkeeper Hagen passed straight to Messi’s feet in front of an empty goal. Of course, “number 10” cannot refuse such a godsend opportunity.
Just two minutes later, it was Dibu Martinez’s turn to pass into the opponent’s feet, but luckily for Argentina, the opponent stole the ball far away and the kick into the empty goal went over the bar. Argentina played quite deadlocked in the first half but still had a 2-1 lead after 19-year-old young star Valentin Carboni fell in the penalty area, and Messi let Lautaro take the penalty kick. At the end of the first half, the duo Messi – Lautaro missed two more opportunities with shots hitting the post and bar, while Lisandro was denied a goal because of offside.
By the 66th minute, Argentina led 3-1 after Messi received Enzo Fernandez’s shot and was very cooperative when assisting Lautaro in a more favorable position. 11 minutes later, it was Messi’s turn to score a double after Di Maria’s through ball. “Number 10” almost scored a hat-trick if his curling shot in the 84th minute did not narrowly miss the post.
However, this 4-1 victory is a successful rehearsal for Argentina before they enter the journey to defend their throne in Copa America. They will meet Canada at 7:00 a.m. on June 21. Next are matches against Chile (June 25) and Peru (June 29).
Starting lineup Argentina vs Guatemala
Argentina: E.Martinez, Molina, Romero, L.Martinez, Nico Gonzalez, Enzo, Mac Allister, Lo Celso, Carboni, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez.
Guatemala: Hagen, Morales, Pinto, Samayoa, Ardon, Castellanos, Franco, Santis, Dominguez, Cardoza, Rubin
Scored:
– Argentina: Messi 12′ 77′, Lautaro Martinez 39′ 66′ (pen)
– Guatemala: Lisandro Martinez 4′ (counter kick)
