Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina completed their Copa America preparations with a 4-1 friendly win over Guatemala in Maryland on Friday.
Messi scored an early equaliser and then dinked in Argentina’s fourth as the world champions came from behind in their final game before defending their Copa America title against Canada in Atlanta on Thursday.
Santis’ cross bounced across the six-yard box, and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez scored an own goal by scooping an attempted clearance into his net.
Argentina, however, did not have to wait long to level the score, scoring in the 12th minute following a disastrous error by Guatemala goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen.
Under no real pressure, Hagen fumbled an attempted clearance from a back pass, allowing Messi to score unopposed in the penalty area.
The Argentina captain took full advantage of his gift-wrapped opportunity, taking a touch and coolly finishing for his 107th international goal.
Then it was a matter of when, not if, Argentina would score their second, with Guatemala sitting deep and inviting pressure.
On 39 minutes, Argentina took the lead from the penalty spot after Guatemala defender Nicolas Samayoa chopped down Valentin Carboni as the 19-year-old forward darted towards the byline.
Messi chose not to take the penalty, and Lautaro Martinez stepped up to convert it, making it 2-1.
Argentina nearly extended their lead on the stroke of halftime when Messi crashed a low rasping free-kick from the edge of the area into the inside of the post.
Lautaro Martinez’s rebounded overhead kick also hit the woodwork, and while Lisandro Martinez bundled the loose ball into the net, the Manchester United defender was flagged offside.
The Argentines made it 3-1 after 66 minutes with a fine team goal.
Messi found Enzo Fernandez in space on the edge of the box, and the Chelsea midfielder threaded a pass back to Messi inside the penalty area.
The Inter Miami star’s first touch set up Lautaro Martinez for a straightforward close-range finish.
Messi then completed his double with the game’s goal on 77 minutes, latching onto a sublime through ball from fellow veteran Angel Di Maria and lifting a deft finish over Hagen for 4-1.