In a friendly preparatory match for the America Cup, Argentina beat Ecuador 1-0, with a goal from Di María, this Sunday, at Soldier Field, in Chicago, in the United States. Messi started the game on the bench and only came on in the second half.
Argentina remains undefeated in 2024 with, now, three wins in three games. Ecuador, in turn, suffered its second defeat of the year.
Before the Copa América, the current world champion still has a friendly against Guatemala to play, this Friday. Ecuador faces Bolivia, on Wednesday, and Honduras, next Sunday, before the start of the tournament.
One of Argentina’s best chances came 25 minutes into the first half. Lautaro Martínez took advantage of a rebound in the penalty area and headed towards the goal. Goalkeeper Galíndez managed to make the save and prevented the Argentines’ first goal.
However, 14 minutes later, Argentina opened the scoring. Defender Romero found Di María free in the area. The striker took a slight touch when Galíndez left and scored the Argentines’ first goal of the game.
Soon after, in the 42nd minute, Di María appeared again. In a foul that he himself suffered, he hit the crossbar and narrowly missed extending Argentina’s lead.
10 minutes into the second half, Lionel Messi entered the game in place of Di María.
The star had a lackluster performance and did little in the game, as did Argentina, who were satisfied with the result in the final stage. The team’s best chance in the second half occurred just in the 49th minute, when Nicolás González finished for Galíndez to save.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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