Messi shines as Argentina thrash Puerto Rico 6-0 in international friendly

Lionel Messi came up with some fine assists as Argentina routed Puerto Rico 6-0 in a relocated international friendly on Tuesday night. Originally scheduled for Monday in Chicago, the match was moved last week. Chicago officials blamed low ticket sales, while the Argentine soccer federation cited an immigration crackdown in the city, which had led to over 1,000 arrests since last month.


Playing at a venue he calls home thanks to his time with Inter Miami, Messi was instrumental in Argentina’s attack. He flicked a lob to set up Gonzalo Montiel in the first half and later provided a back pass that led to Lautaro Martínez’s second goal in the 83rd minute. Alexis Mac Allister scored twice, and Argentina also benefitted from an own goal midway through the second half.


The matchup was unusual in multiple ways. Tickets went on sale just a few hours before kickoff for as low as $25, and the stadium was about half full at kickoff, though attendance increased slightly as the game progressed. Argentina, ranked No. 3 in the world, faced No. 155-ranked Puerto Rico, whose squad included some college players.

Puerto Rico goalkeeper Sebastian Cutler, who has a 1-1-2 record this season at Villanova, made a couple of notable saves against Messi, while midfielder Noeh Hernández has three goals this season for DePaul. Puerto Rico came close to scoring in the eighth minute when Leandro Antonetti fired from beyond midfield, forcing a desperate save from Argentina keeper Emiliano Martínez.

The friendly was part of Argentina’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the US, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. The match coincided with President Donald Trump threatening, for the second time, to relocate World Cup games set for suburban Boston, citing public safety concerns and claiming parts of the city had been 'taken over' by unrest.