Argentina’s national team triumphed over Ecuador in a pre-Copa América friendly match, claiming a 1-0 victory at Soldier Field in Chicago. Ángel Di María, who is set to retire from international football after the tournament, scored the decisive goal, showcasing his enduring quality on the pitch. Lionel Messi, following a hiatus due to injury, made a much-anticipated return in the second half, replacing Di María and receiving a warm welcome from the fans despite not scoring but helping to maintain the team’s lead and gaining momentum for the upcoming tournament. The match was a crucial test for coach Lionel Scaloni’s squad, as they fine-tune their tactics and lineup ahead of their Copa América campaign, which begins on June 20 against Canada. The team’s next challenge will be a friendly against Guatemala on June 14 in Landover, Maryland, offering another opportunity to assess the team’s readiness for the continental competition.
Key points
- Argentina defeated Ecuador 1-0 in a friendly match, with Ángel Di María scoring the goal.
- Lionel Messi returned to the pitch in the second half, marking his comeback after an injury.
- The victory serves as a momentum builder for Argentina ahead of the Copa América, where they will face Canada in their opening match.
Contradictions👾While most sources report Ángel Di María as the goal scorer, one source incorrectly credits Lisandro Martínez for the goal.
👾Some sources mention Messi entered the game in the 56th minute, while others report he came on in the second half without specifying the time, and one source claims he entered in the 10th minute.
