Braces from Messi and Martinez bring a crushing victory for Argentina in a friendly match
Liam Garcia
Dailysports's expert
While national teams in Europe have started their continental championship, teams in the Americas are preparing for the Copa America. Today, Guatemala and Argentina faced off in a friendly match.
The score was opened swiftly. In the fourth minute, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez accidentally scored an own goal, giving the hosts the lead.
However, just eight minutes later, Lionel Messi equalized. Near the end of the first half, last season's Serie A top scorer, Lautaro Martinez, converted a penalty to put his team ahead.
In the early second half, on the 66th minute, Messi made another decisive play with a precise assist to Lautaro Martinez, extending the lead. The final goal was scored by Messi himself, finding the net after a pinpoint pass from his future club teammate, Angel Di Maria.
International Friendly Match
Guatemala – Argentina 1:4
Goals: Lisandro Martinez 4’ (own goal) – Messi 12’, 77’, Lautaro Martinez 39’ (penalty), 66’
The Copa America kicks off next Friday and will be held in the USA. Argentina's national team will play the opening match against Canada. Their group also includes Chile and Peru.
