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“Lionel Messi Shines with Brace as Argentina Cruises Past Guatemala 4-1 upon International Return”
Jun
Lionel Messi orchestrated Argentina’s 4-1 victory over Guatemala on Friday night, marking his return to the international stage with a resounding impact ahead of the 2024 Copa America
Making his first start for Argentina since November, Messi played the full 90 minutes under the guidance of manager Lionel Scaloni, following a cameo appearance in their recent 1-0 triumph over Ecuador. His performance, which included two goals and an assist, underscored his readiness for the upcoming tournament despite previous concerns over a hamstring injury that had sidelined him from earlier fixtures.
Messi’s influence was palpable throughout the match as he not only found the net twice but also struck the woodwork with a trademark free kick and played a pivotal role in Argentina’s penalty kick goal. His partnership with teammates, including Lautaro Martinez who also netted a brace, highlighted Argentina’s offensive prowess against a Guatemala side ranked 108th in FIFA’s world rankings.
Scaloni expressed satisfaction with Messi’s extended playing time, emphasizing its strategic value in integrating new tactical approaches ahead of their Copa America opener against Canada next week in Atlanta. The manager credited Messi’s versatility and leadership, noting his decision-making impact on the field, particularly in passing duties and penalty responsibilities.
Reflecting on the match, Scaloni hinted at tactical adjustments, with Angel Di Maria’s positional shift exemplifying Argentina’s flexibility in adapting to different game scenarios. This adaptability, showcased in Messi’s fluid partnership with his teammates, bodes well for Argentina’s ambitions as they seek to defend their Copa America title.
Despite conceding an early goal to Guatemala, Argentina swiftly recovered, with Messi equalizing in the 12th minute after pouncing on a defensive error by the opposing goalkeeper. From then on, Argentina dominated proceedings, culminating in Messi’s decisive contributions in the 38th and 77th minutes, showcasing his adeptness in both goal-scoring and playmaking roles.
As Argentina looks ahead to the challenges of the Copa America, Messi’s stellar performance against Guatemala serves as a reassuring sign of his form and readiness to lead his nation’s quest for further international glory.
