The Argentina national team wrapped up their U.S. tour in style, cruising to a 6–0 win over Puerto Rico at Miami’s Chase Stadium in a friendly match serving as preparation for the 2026 World Cup. With two assists from Lionel Messi, a brace from Alexis Mac Allister, and goals from Gonzalo Montiel, Lautaro Martínez, and an own goal from Steven Echevarría, the Albiceleste showcased their dominance with ease.

Messi shines as the creative force in the first half

The game began with a scare for Lionel Scaloni’s side when Leandro Antonetti nearly scored from 70 meters out, forcing a brilliant save from Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez. The early warning, however, woke up the world champions, who quickly took control of the match.

The opening goal came in the 13th minute, when Alexis Mac Allister capitalized on a rebound from Nico González’s shot and headed the ball home from close range. Eight minutes later, Lionel Messi showcased his trademark vision, lifting a perfect chipped pass for Gonzalo Montiel, who volleyed it in to make it 2–0.

The third arrived in the 35th minute, once again with the Argentine captain involved. Messi switched play to the opposite flank, the ball ended up with José Manuel López, who set up Mac Allister to score his second of the night and extend Argentina’s lead before halftime.

Lautaro seals the rout with a brace

In the second half, Scaloni rotated his squad, giving playing time to debutants Facundo Cambeses, Lautaro Rivero, and Aníbal Moreno. But the rhythm and dominance didn’t change. In the 64th minute, a cross from Nicolás González deflected off Steven Echevarría and into his own net for 4–0.

The scoring was completed by Lautaro Martínez, who came off the bench to score twice in under ten minutes. First, in the 79th minute, after Messi lofted a ball into the box that Nico González headed across goal; and then in the 83rd, when the Argentine captain assisted him with a clever backheel, allowing the Inter Milan striker to finish off the 6–0 rout.

The Albiceleste leave Miami with two wins in this international window — 1–0 against Venezuela and 6–0 against Puerto Rico — reaffirming their status as top favorites to defend their World Cup crown in 2026. And while Messi didn’t score, he once again proved that his magic remains the driving force behind the world champions.