Despite Lionel Messi not playing, Argentina still won 3-0 against El Salvador on Friday as they prepared for their Copa America title defense with a friendly victory in Philadelphia.
Cristian Romero scored first in the 16th minute, followed by Enzo Fernández in the 42nd and Giovani Lo Celso in the 52nd, securing the win at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles.
Messi, who now plays for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, couldn’t play in Friday’s match and Argentina’s upcoming friendly against Costa Rica in Los Angeles due to a hamstring injury sustained during Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Nashville.
Despite the chilly weather in Philadelphia, Argentina managed to win their first friendly of the year against a team that hasn't won in 21 matches, even without Messi.
Romero was the first to score against a team coached by Spain’s David Doniga, heading in a corner kick by Angel Di Maria.
Just before halftime, Di Maria passed to Rodrigo de Paul, whose back pass was headed by Lo Celso to Fernandez, who scored from in front of the goal.
After halftime, Lo Celso scored with a left-footed shot, capitalizing on a play involving Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni took the opportunity to give playing time to youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Valentin Barco, including 19-year-old left-back Valentin Barco who shone for the U-23 team in Olympic qualifying.
AFP
