Lionel Messi Scores Twice in Argentina's 4-1 Victory Over Guatemala

Lionel Messi scored twice and assisted another goal in his first international start since November as Argentina outclassed Guatemala 4-1, completing their preparations for the 2024 Copa America. Messi played the full 90 minutes under manager Lionel Scaloni, following a 35-minute appearance off the bench in a 1-0 win over fellow Copa America contenders Ecuador on Sunday in Chicago.

Previously, he missed two international friendlies in March due to a hamstring issue, which has also caused him to be absent for Inter Miami in MLS play on several occasions.

However, his sharp performance on Friday—where he also hit the woodwork with a free kick and contributed to a sequence leading to a penalty kick goal—should ease Argentine concerns ahead of next Thursday's group stage opener against Canada in Atlanta.

Lautaro Martinez also scored twice for the defending Copa America and World Cup champions against a Guatemala side ranked 108th in FIFA's world rankings. This included a goal from the penalty spot, a role Messi typically assumes during tournament play.

Guatemala took a surprise lead in the fourth minute when Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez deflected a free kick opportunity directly to defender Lisandro Martinez, who accidentally bundled the ball across the goal line.