In his first international appearance since November, Lionel Messi scored twice and set up another goal as Argentina defeated Guatemala 4-1 on Friday night to wrap up its preparations for the 2024 Copa America.

After contributing 35 minutes off the bench in a 1-0 victory over fellow Copa America candidates Ecuador on Sunday in Chicago, Messi played the full 90 minutes for boss Lionel Scaloni.

A hamstring problem that also caused him to miss two international friendlies in March has also been a factor in his half-dozen MLS absences for Inter Miami.

But his excellent performance on Friday, when he also scored a penalty kιck and struck the woodwork with a free kιck, could allay Argentine worries before the group play opener against Canada in Atlanta next Thursday.

Going the distance also allowed Messi to practice with fifteen Argentina field players during the game.

East forward Sarah Strong blocks West guard Morgan Cheli on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, during the first quarter of the McDonald’s All American girls’ basketball game in Houston. Kevin M. Cox, AP Photo

Using an interpreter, Scaloni remarked, “That was basically the idea, maybe to look for something different, a chance to improve.” “Angel Di Maria entered and played more inside because the way the game was developing allowed us to try new things.”

For the reigning Copa America and World Cup winners, Lautaro Martinez also scored twice against a Guatemalan team ranked 108th in the world. That included Argentina’s goal from the penalty spot, a position Messi usually takes on during competition play.

“Leo Messi chose,” Scaloni stated. “I’m not sure exactly what transpired on the pitch, whether he chose to give it to him or was asked. It is evident from this how charitable Leo Messi can be.

In the fourth minute, Guatemala unexpectedly led after Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez only diverted a free kιck opportunity as far as defender Lisandro Martinez, who unintentionally shoved the ball over the goal line.

Messi tied it after only eight minutes when a poor pass from Guatemalan custodian Nicholas Hagen sent the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in front of an open goal approximately 12 yards out.

Messi’s feed in the 38th minute sent Valentin Carboni into the right side of the penalty box, where he was hauled down by Guatemalan defender Nicolas Samayoa with a sliding challenge that led to Lautaro Martinez’s penalty shoot.

Martinez scored his second goal in the sixty-sixth minute after Messi, who had received a superb one-time pass from Enzo Fernandez, found him over the top.

After playing a give-and-go with Di Maria, Messi chipped Hagen to complete the scoring in the 77th.