Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez each scored twice as Argentina defeated Guatemala 4-1 in their final Copa America warm-up game in Maryland. Despite an early setback, the reigning World Cup and Copa America champions demonstrated their resilience and firepower.
Guatemala took a surprising lead in the fourth minute due to an own goal by Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, marking their first-ever goal against Argentina. However, Messi quickly equalized eight minutes later, capitalizing on a clearance mistake by goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen to score into an empty net.
Lautaro Martinez, last season’s Serie A top scorer, put Argentina ahead with a 39th-minute penalty and doubled his tally with a goal from a Messi assist after halftime. “We are aiming for the title, we are fighting for everything,” Lautaro told TyC Sports, emphasizing the team’s ambition.
Messi sealed the victory with his second goal in the 77th minute, following a superb pass from substitute Angel di Maria. Reflecting on their performance, Messi highlighted the team’s determination to keep winning titles despite the increasing difficulty of matches.
Argentina, coached by Lionel Scaloni, will start their Copa America campaign against Canada on Thursday, followed by group games against Chile and Peru. The tournament in the United States runs from June 20 to July 14. “It will be harder and harder, the games are getting tougher, but we will try again,” Messi added.
