In a display of strength and teamwork, Argentina’s national football team secured a 3-0 win against El Salvador in a friendly match held in Philadelphia, despite the absence of their iconic captain, Lionel Messi.
The scoring was initiated by defender Cristian Romero at the 16th minute, followed by Enzo Fernández’s goal near the end of the first half, and sealed by Giovani Lo Celso’s strike after halftime.
The match took place at the Lincoln Financial Field, known as the home ground for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles.
Lionel Messi, celebrated eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient and current star of Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, was sidelined for the game due to a minor hamstring injury sustained during a CONCACAF Champions Cup match.
Despite the cold weather, Argentina showcased their prowess and easily claimed victory in what was their first exhibition game of the year, against an El Salvador team struggling with a 21-game winless streak.
Romero’s goal came from a well-executed corner by Angel Di Maria, who later orchestrated a play that led to Fernández’s goal, assisted by a combination of Rodrigo de Paul and Lo Celso.
Continuing the momentum, Lo Celso scored with a left-footed finish, capitalizing on a play involving Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez.
The friendly also provided an opportunity for Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, to introduce young talents like Alejandro Garnacho and Valentin Barco, the latter being a standout for the U-23 team and a recent acquisition by Brighton, to gain experience ahead of the upcoming Copa America and Paris Olympics qualifiers.
