Sports Desk ; TEXAS, USA — Reigning World Champions Argentina secured a comfortable 2-0 victory against Honduras at Kyle Field Stadium in College Station, Texas, as part of their final preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Team captain Lionel Messi, who is currently working his way back to peak fitness following a minor injury, did not feature in the match.
Despite head coach Lionel Scaloni making extensive changes to the starting lineup, the 38-year-old superstar remained on the bench for the entire 90 minutes as a precautionary measure due to muscle fatigue. Right-back Agustín Giay was the only Argentine player to play the full duration of the match.
A massive crowd filled the stadium to cheer on the Albiceleste, though their hopes of seeing Messi on the pitch were put on hold.
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Argentina was awarded a penalty after Nicolás Tagliafico was fouled inside the box. Striker Lautaro Martínez calmly converted from the spot to put the world champions ahead.
Argentina doubled their lead early in the second half. Following a brilliant backheel pass from Lautaro, Atlético Madrid forward Giuliano Simeone provided a clinical finish to make it 2-0.
Following the second goal, Scaloni introduced several substitutes but chose not to risk Messi. The Inter Miami star had sustained a minor injury during his last club appearance on May 25 before joining the national camp.
Speaking before the match, Scaloni expressed optimism about Messi’s recovery, noting that the forward has resumed partial training and is progressively improving. The coach hinted that Messi might feature briefly in one of the friendly matches.
Argentina kicks off their 2026 World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Group J, which also features Austria and Jordan. The Albiceleste will play their final warm-up match against Iceland on June 9.