Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez both scored twice as Argentina beat Guatemala 4-1 in their final Copa America warm-up game in Maryland.
Argentina were given an early scare when an own goal after four minutes by Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez put Guatemala ahead – their first ever goal against the reigning World Cup and Copa America champions.
But Messi equalised eight minutes later when keeper Nicholas Hagen cleared the ball straight into his path and the Argentina captain scored into an empty net.
Lautaro Martinez, who finished as Serie A’s top scorer last season, put Argentina ahead with a 39th-minute penalty and the Inter Milan star scored his second from a Messi pass after the break.
“We are aiming for the title, we are fighting for everything,” he told TyC Sports.
“We said it when the Copa America ended in 2021 and when the World Cup ended, we will try to prepare ourselves to start the Copa America in the best possible way and hopefully it will be all joy.”
Messi claimed his second in the 77th minute after a superb pass from substitute Angel di Maria.
The tournament runs in the United States from 20 June to 14 July, with coach Lionel Scaloni’s side starting their campaign against Canada on Thursday before group games against Chile and Peru.
“We’re going to keep trying to do our best, we still want to keep winning titles,” added Messi.
“It will be harder and harder, the games are getting tougher, winning [the Copa] again is hard, but we will try again.”
Prince William invited son George to play a festive football game at Sandringham (Picture: AFP) Prince George lined up alongside his father Will
Southampton and West Ham will both seek to gain traction in the Premier League when they meet on Thursday.The Saints managed a goal
Chelsea host Fulham in an exciting West London derby on Boxing Day at Stamford Bridge. Both teams come into this match eager to bou
Manchester City will look to end their torrid run when they face Everton in their next Premier League match on Thursday.It was yet