Injured but smiling, Messi had ample reason: "I will play some minutes in the next match"... Argentina defeats Honduras 2-0

*This content was translated by AI.

Argentina defeated Honduras without "the god of football," Lionel Messi (39, Inter Miami).

Argentina beat Honduras 2-0 in a friendly match held at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, USA, on the morning of the 7th (Korean time).

The top contributor to the victory was Lautaro Martinez, who recorded one goal and one assist. In the 37th minute of the first half, Lautaro calmly finished a penalty kick earned by Nicolas Tagliafico with his right foot to score the opening goal. He then assisted Julian Simeone's decisive goal in the 9th minute of the second half, playing a key role.

"The god of football," Lionel Messi, who is about to achieve the unprecedented feat of six consecutive World Cup appearances, was absent. This was to rest and recover from a left hamstring injury sustained with his club team, Inter Miami. Messi, who watched his teammates' victory from the bench, had a bright expression.

The U.S. "Sports Illustrated" also reported on Messi's absence that day, adding, "For Argentina to successfully defend its title, it must limit Messi's playing time in friendly matches leading up to the World Cup finals."

On this day, 25-year-old Thiago Almada started in Messi's place, and Nicolas Otamendi wore the captain's armband. Rodrigo De Paul, Messi's close club teammate, also started the match from the bench.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni explained, "Messi has joined team training and is recovering smoothly," and added, "He will be able to play some minutes in the next friendly match."

Argentina will face Iceland in a final mock match in Auburn, Alabama, USA, on the 10th. As a member of Group J in the group stage, Argentina will begin with a match against Algeria on the 17th, followed by encounters with Austria and Jordan in sequence.

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*This content was translated by AI.