La Scaloneta flexes with braces from Mac Allister and Lautaro Martínez, Messi’s return, and four debuts on a magical Miami night in the first-ever meeting with Puerto Rico.
The rout, minute by minute
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13' 1H — Mac Allister: Opens the scoring with a header after a González effort
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22' 1H — Montiel: Cross-body volley from a Messi assist
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35' 1H — Mac Allister: Brace with a top-corner strike after López’s hold-up play
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64' 2H — Own goal (Echavarría): Scramble in the box after a González shot
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79' 2H — Lautaro Martínez: Taps in a loose ball in the six-yard area
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83' 2H — Lautaro Martínez: Low finish after a combination with Messi
Watch the goals:
Historic debuts
Scaloni used the match to blood four players:
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José López (starter, Palmeiras)
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Aníbal Moreno (halftime sub, Palmeiras)
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Lautaro Rivero (second half)
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Facundo Cambeses (74', Racing)
Standout performer
Alexis Mac Allister ran the midfield with a brace and constant forward thrust, confirming his outstanding form.
Triumphant return
Lionel Messi donned the Albiceleste again, delivering an assist and featuring in most attacking sequences—showcasing his trademark vision.
Match context
Originally slated for Chicago, the friendly was moved to Miami for security reasons—turning Chase Stadium, Messi’s MLS home, into the ideal stage for this Argentine showcase.
What’s next
La Scaloneta closes its U.S. tour perfect: two wins (1–0 vs. Venezuela and 6–0 vs. Puerto Rico) with clean sheets. Scaloni leaves with valuable insights on tactical alternatives ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Attendance and atmosphere
A sellout crowd of 21,000 packed Chase Stadium, generating a festive atmosphere that celebrated every Argentine goal—and especially Messi’s return to the national shirt on Florida soil.
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