The Argentina national team started strong in their friendly match against Puerto Rico at Miami’s Chase Stadium. Although Lionel Messi came close to opening the scoring with a brilliant individual play, it was Alexis Mac Allister who ultimately found the net to give Lionel Scaloni’s side the early lead.

Mac Allister strikes at the perfect moment

The game began with a scare: Puerto Rico nearly took a shocking lead when Antonetti tried his luck from midfield, almost scoring a wonder goal, but Dibu Martínez reacted quickly with a crucial save to prevent what would have been the most surprising goal of the night.

After that close call, Argentina took full control of the match. A quick recovery in midfield allowed Gonzalo Montiel to charge down the right wing and deliver a perfect cross into the box. Messi, well-positioned, struck the ball first-time, but his shot thundered off the crossbar. The rebound fell to Nico González, whose attempt was blocked, but Mac Allister, showing great awareness, pounced on the loose ball and buried it into the back of the net to make it 1–0 in the 13th minute.

The goal ignited the stands at the Miami stadium, filled with Argentina jerseys and cheers for the Liverpool midfielder, who once again proved decisive for the reigning world champions.

Messi returns to the starting lineup and leads the Albiceleste

The big question before the match was whether Lionel Messi would start — and he did, taking his place in the lineup before an adoring Miami crowd. The captain displayed his trademark class from the start, playing a key role in Argentina’s buildup and constantly creating danger.

Even though it was just a friendly, the atmosphere at Chase Stadium was electric — passionate chants, Argentine flags, and number 10 shirts everywhere. Among the fans, some were also spotted wearing the jersey of Franco Mastantuono, one of Real Madrid’s brightest young talents.

With the lead secured, Scaloni’s Argentina looks to close out the international window with another victory after their 1–0 win over Venezuela, while Puerto Rico fights to contain the offensive firepower of the world champions. The match continues, but the Albiceleste are already in control in Miami.