Even without Messi, Argentina successfully complete their test match tour in the USA. However, the world champions were initially behind against Costa Rica
Without Messi, who has a thigh injury, Argentina are currently on a test match tour in the USA. After the relaxed 3:0 win over El Salvador, the world champions wanted to recharge their batteries for their title defense in the second preparatory match for the Copa America (June 20 to July 14, 2024). In Los Angeles on Tuesday evening (local time), however, the Albiceleste trailed at the break against Costa Rica.
Argentina keeper Benitez saved a shot from Zamora, but Ugalde pushed the rebound over the line from six meters in front of Otamendi (34′).
Argentina turn the game around
In the second half, however, the world champions, who had also withdrawn Leverkusen’s Palacios due to a muscle injury, made things clear. Di Maria curled a free-kick from around 20 meters from half-right into the right-hand corner to make it 1:1 (52′). After Tagliafico failed to clear the crossbar from a corner, Mac Allister headed in (56′).
The final goal was scored by Inter Milan captain and joker Lautaro Martinez after a beautiful pass from de Paul (77′), who had also come on as a substitute
Ahead of the first matchday of the Copa America against Canada (June 20), Argentina, who missed a number of good chances against Costa Rica, have another test match against Guatemala (June 14) coming up.
