Argentina secured a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in a Copa América warmup match, with Ángel Di María scoring the sole goal of the game. The match marked Lionel Messi’s return to the international stage after a six-month absence. Messi, who had been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, entered the game in the second half, replacing Di María in the 56th minute.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni emphasized the importance of managing player fitness and avoiding unnecessary risks. Scaloni opted to rest players like Messi and Nicolas Otamendi in order to ensure they arrive in optimal condition for the upcoming Copa América tournament. Di María’s goal, assisted by Cristian Romero, showcased the team’s ability to perform even in the absence of key players.
As Argentina prepares for the Copa América, Scaloni’s squad will face Guatemala in a final warmup match before kicking off the group stage against Canada on June 20. The team aims to build cohesion, gain match practice, and rekindle the feeling of representing their country on the field. Di María expressed confidence in the team’s progress, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead in the tournament.
Di María’s goal against Ecuador marked a significant moment in his international career, as it was his second consecutive goal in an international match. With 31 goals for Argentina, the 36-year-old midfielder is now tied for the fifth-most goals in the country’s history. He is four goals away from surpassing Diego Maradona on the all-time goalscorers list, showcasing his enduring impact for the national team.
Meanwhile, Ecuador will continue its preparations for the Copa América with friendly matches against Bolivia and Honduras before facing Venezuela in their tournament opener on June 22. The team will look to fine-tune its gameplay and build momentum ahead of their competitive fixtures in the tournament.
Argentina’s victory over Ecuador served as a valuable test for both teams as they gear up for the Copa América. With key players returning to action and others being carefully managed, both squads are looking to make an impact in the prestigious tournament. The friendly matches leading up to the Copa América will be crucial in shaping the teams’ readiness and determining their prospects in the competition.