Argentina secured a dominant 6-0 victory against Puerto Rico in a friendly match on Tuesday. Lionel Messi, starting for the 'Albiceleste', provided two assists but did not score.

Puerto Rico's initial resistance was broken after fifteen minutes when Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring with a header, following a deflected shot from Nico Gonzalez.

The reigning world champions, currently in their preparation phase, asserted dominance, creating numerous opportunities. A lobbed pass from Messi set up Gonzalo Montiel for the second goal, before Mac Allister added the third after a layoff from Jose Manuel Lopez.

Puerto Rico had an early opportunity to take the lead with the score still 0-0, but Emiliano Martinez remained alert, saving a long-range effort from approximately 70 meters by Leandro Antonetti, who attempted to catch him off his line.

The second half saw both managers introduce substitutions, and the scoreline was further extended with an own goal by Steven Echevarria and a brace from Lautaro Martinez, who entered the match in the 63rd minute.

Messi played the full 90 minutes, having been rested during the previous international friendly against Venezuela in Miami. Despite numerous attempts, a combination of a lack of precision and the crossbar prevented him from finding the net. The festive atmosphere remained, with jerseys bearing his name and chants of 'Messi, Messi' echoing throughout Chase Stadium, the home ground of his club, Inter Miami.

Despite the disparity in opposition, the festive atmosphere remained constant in the stands, largely filled by Argentine supporters who relentlessly backed Lionel Scaloni's team.

Beyond the final score, the match served as an opportunity for the 'Albiceleste' to familiarise themselves with the country that will host the World Cup final on 19 July. Argentina will defend the title it won in Qatar in this tournament, co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico.

S. Echevarría

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