The Argentine National Team showcased an impressive performance, defeating Guatemala 4-1 at Commanders FedEx Field in Washington. This match served as their final preparation ahead of the Copa América, where they will face Canada in the opening match on Thursday. The coach, Lionel Scaloni, took the opportunity to test various players before finalizing the roster for the upcoming competition.
Of particular note was Valentín Carboni, who played his first game as a starter and demonstrated his desire to secure a place on the roster. Carboni’s efforts, alongside the stellar performances from established players like Lionel Messi, Enzo Fernández, and Lautaro Martínez, were pivotal. Messi, continuing to show his brilliance, scored twice and provided an assist, while Lautaro Martínez also netted two goals. Argentina, despite an early own goal by Lisandro Martínez, was not deterred and quickly recovered, with Messi equalizing shortly after with a close-range finish.
Subsequently, Lautaro Martínez converted a penalty before Messi, later, assisted Lautaro for another goal, and finally, Messi completed the scoring after an expert link-up with Ángel Di María. The Argentinians displayed their tactical proficiency and attacking prowess throughout the match.
This victory underscores Argentina's readiness to defend their title as South American champions in the Copa América. The synergy between seasoned players and emerging talents like Carboni offers a robust foundation for Scaloni's squad. Their upcoming matches against Canada, Chile, and Peru will be crucial as they seek to build on this momentum.
- Emiliano Martínez had an off day, exhibiting unusual errors, particularly in Guatemala's only goal which came from his rebound. The defensive line, including Nahuel Molina, Nicolás Otamendi, and Lisandro Martínez, had moments of instability but managed to settle as the game progressed.
- Alexis MacAllister, despite being a key midfielder, didn't shine in this match. He struggled to inject the usual dynamism into the team's play. Meanwhile, Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes came off the bench to provide stability and added depth to the midfield, ensuring the team maintained control.
- Interestingly, Ángel Di María's impact off the bench was significant. In his brief appearance, he almost scored a spectacular goal and assisted Messi's second goal with a brilliant pass. These performances highlight Argentina's depth and adaptability, traits that will be invaluable in the competitive environment of the Copa América.
