VIDEO: Lionel Messi was in charge again! He scored two goals and added an assist for Argentina. Di María also shone

Argentina had a dress rehearsal before the start of the Copa América and Lionel Messi was there. Even at 36 years of age, Messi confirmed that he is an absolutely key player for his country. He scored three goals against Guatemala.

While football fans in Europe can already watch the EURO 2024 matches from Friday evening, South America is eagerly awaiting the Copa América, which opens on Friday 21 June with Argentina and Canada.

At the moment, however, all the teams are still finalising their preparations. The reigning world champions played Guatemala on Friday night, their last friendly before the start of the big tournament.

Of course, the captain and winner of eight Ballon d’Ors, Lionel Messi, was not missing, proving that he is still in great shape at 36 years old. He provided a great turnaround and more or less single-handedly ensured that Argentina could celebrate the victory.

In the 4th minute, Guatelama were already 1-0 up after defender Lisandro Martínez sent the ball into his own net. Soon after, Messi was in charge.

Messi scored three of Argentina’s goals

If Argentina helped Guatemala by scoring a goal of their own, then eight minutes later Guatemala gave the World Cup’s biggest star a huge chance. The goalkeeper, trying to kick the ball to safety, only hit the attacking captain. And from such positions, Lionel Messi doesn’t often make mistakes.

In the 39th minute, Lautaro Martínez scored from a penalty kick to turn the match in Argentina’s favour 2-1. He added his second in the 66th minute when Messi sent him into a more or less 100 percent chance. However, we must not forget Enzo Fernández’s excellent pass to Lionel.

Then, in the 77th minute, the world was reminded of the legendary Ángel Di María, who had a beautiful collision with the holder of eight Ballons d’Or, who was presented with a great opportunity, which he handled with elegance.

Argentina won 4-1, with Lionel Messi scoring two goals and an assist.

Source: YouTube, Bleacher Report