Messi sets up 2 as Argentina trounce Puerto Rico
Lionel Messi delivered two assists and played a key role in a third goal as Argentina routed Puerto Rico 6-0 in an international friendly on Tuesday night. The match, relocated from Chicago due to logistical issues, saw Messi don the jersey of his national side on the field where he competes for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Messi provided a precise lob to set up Gonzalo Montiel’s opening goal in the first half, before a clever back pass led to Lautaro Martínez’s second goal late in the match. Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister scored twice, and the team also benefited from an own goal by Puerto Rico.
Originally scheduled for Monday in Chicago, the game was shifted amid concerns over low ticket sales and immigration enforcement actions affecting the city. Tickets were sold mere hours before kickoff at significantly reduced prices, resulting in a half-full stadium that gradually filled as the match progressed.
Argentina, currently ranked third globally by FIFA, showcased their supremacy against Puerto Rico, ranked 155th, whose lineup included college-level players. Puerto Rico goalkeeper Sebastian Cutler made several notable saves, including two key stops against Messi in the second half.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi had stayed out of the previous friendly against Venezuela to rest but was fully prepared for Tuesday’s match at his MLS home ground. “He trained with us last week and was ready to play,” Scaloni said. “It’s always a joy to have him on the pitch.”
This friendly is a part of Argentina’s preparation for next summer’s World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The match coincided with political tension around World Cup venues in the U.S., with President Donald Trump threatening to relocate games scheduled for Boston due to civil unrest concerns.
The convincing win bolsters Argentina’s momentum heading into the tournament, reaffirming Messi’s vital role in the squad and the team’s offensive depth. For Puerto Rico, the challenge underscored the gap to elite international competition but provided valuable experience ahead of future fixtures.