Xtra Time Web Desk: Lionel Messi was not available due to injury. But in the friendly match held in America, the World Champions defeated El Salvador 3-0 with goals from Cristhian Romero, Enzo Fernández, and Giovanni Lo Celso.
From the very first minute at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Argentina seemed to have control of the match. However, despite one attack after another, El Salvador’s defense held firm. Throughout the entire match, the blue and white jersey-wearing Argentinian players took 14 shots at the opposing goal. In contrast, the Central American team, El Salvador, managed only one shot. Despite having 80% possession of the ball, Argentine footballers couldn’t convert it into a dominant lead. The absence of their star player Messi was evident, and others couldn’t compensate adequately. If it weren’t for several good saves by El Salvador’s goalkeeper, the margin of victory could have been even greater.
Argentina scored their first goal in the 16th minute of the match. A powerful header from Romero found the back of the net from Angel Di Maria’s corner. Within ten minutes, the blue and white jersey-wearing players seized the opportunity to increase their lead. Di Maria’s outstanding volley somehow managed to beat the opposition goalkeeper. Shortly after, El Salvador also had their chance to advance but failed to capitalize. Just three minutes before halftime, Argentina secured their second goal through Enzo Fernández. A well-placed ball from the right side was met with a cool finish by the Chelsea star.
Even in the second half, Argentina didn’t ease off the pressure. They extended their lead to 3-0 in the 52nd minute through a goal from Leandro Paredes. They had more opportunities to score additional goals throughout the rest of the match. However, despite the efforts of the opposing goalkeeper Maria, the margin of victory didn’t increase. On March 27, Argentina will play their next match against Costa Rica, where Messi will also be absent. The Copa America tournament is set to begin in June of this year. Prior to that, the previous champions aim to prepare themselves by playing friendly matches. Argentina is cautious about risking LM 10 unnecessarily before the Copa America, which they weren’t happy about before the previous Copa as well.
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