Lionel Messi graced the international stage for Argentina after a six-month absence, contributing to a 1-0 triumph over Ecuador in a Copa America warmup match on Sunday night.
Messi, sidelined for the first half, made his presence felt upon replacing Angel Di Maria in the 56th minute. A prior right hamstring injury had sidelined the iconic footballer, preventing him from participating in Argentina’s earlier Copa America warmup encounters against El Salvador and Costa Rica in March.
Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, explained his cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of ensuring optimal conditions for players like Messi. However, Di Maria’s reverse pass from Christian Romero found the net in the 40th minute, securing the lead while Messi observed from the bench.
Reflecting on the match, Scaloni lauded the competitive challenge posed by Ecuador, underscoring the significance of the fixture in preparing for the upcoming Copa America tournament. Di Maria’s goal marked his second consecutive international score, positioning him alongside Argentina’s football greats with 31 goals in his illustrious career.
Argentina’s dominance over Ecuador extends to seven successive encounters, showcasing the team’s formidable prowess on the international stage. Looking ahead, Scaloni emphasized the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence, with upcoming Copa America fixtures and qualifiers on the horizon.
As Argentina, the reigning World Cup and Copa America champions, gears up for the tournament, the team remains focused on maintaining its competitive edge and delivering peak performances on the pitch.
