Argentina put on a show at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to defeat El Salvador 3-0 in an international friendly. Cristian Romero, Enzo FernĂĄndez and Giovani Lo Celso scored the goals for Lionel Scaloniâs side.
Lionel Messi missed the match due to a hamstring injury that ruled him out of this March international window. La Albiceleste return to action Tuesday, when they play Costa Rica in Los Angeles.
That's it for tonight. Argentina outplayed El Salvador to win 3-0 and you lived every moment in Bolavip. Thanks for staying with us and we'll see you next time!
The referee blew the final whistle as Argentina claim a 3-0 victory over El Salvador in their first friendly in 2024.
The Manchester United sensation is struggling to find the net tonight as once again his effort goes wide.
Argentina are comfortably controlling the ball but continue to chase the opposition's net to try and make this a five-goal match.
The Salvadoran goalkeeper saves another rocket by Di MarĂa.
MĂĄrio GonzĂĄlez may be the reason Argentina are not leading by an even bigger difference.
Alejandro Garnacho almost seized a great pass by Mac Allister but his effort couldn't find the net.
Blanco and HenrĂquez are replaced by Garay and Flores, respectively.
Darwin Cerén leaves the field for Mervin Cartagena in El Salvador. Argentina make their last two substitutions as well, with Cristian Romero being replaced by Nahuel Molina, whereas Alexis Mac Allister comes on for Giovani Lo Celso.
La Albiceleste continue to put El Salvador's back against the wall, with Garnacho and Barco actively looking to find the net.
Brighton gem Facundo Buonanotte replaces Rodrigo de Paul in Argentina, whereas Bryan Tamacas and Narciso Orellana left the field for El Salvador, with Pablo Punyed and Julio SibriĂĄn coming on.
The Salvadoran came up with another great save to prevent Di MarĂa from scoring a beautiful goal.
Brighton left-back ValentĂn Barco comes on for NicolĂĄs Tagliafico to earn his first cap with the Argentine senior national team.
The fantastic play that put Argentina 3-0.
Di MarĂa and Lautaro MartĂnez combine to leave Giovani Lo Celso with a golden chance, and the midfielder didn't miss.
De Paul had the third of the night on his feet but his effort was saved on the line.
Tempers flare as Narciso Orellana makes an ugly foul on Giovani Lo Celso.
The second half is on with Argentina making two changes: Otamendi for Enzo FernĂĄndez while Alejandro Garnacho replaces NicolĂĄs GonzĂĄlez.
Argentina lead 2-0 at the break at the Lincoln Financial Field.
This is how Argentina celebrated the second of the night in Philly.
The Chelsea midfielder sent home a loose ball inside the box following a great team play involving Ăngel Di MarĂa and Rodrigo De Paul.
La Selecta almost celebrated the equalizer with this dramatic play.
A great team play almost results in the second of the night for La Albiceleste, but it's still a one-goal game in Philadelphia.
Darwin CĂ©ren's effort was deflected and went just wide.
El Salvador keeper denies a powerful shot by Ăngel Di MarĂa to avoid this game going further away for his side!
The goal that put Argentina in front in Philadelphia!
Just like that, a Cuti Romero header puts Argentina in front in Philadelphia!
The defending world champs control possession of the ball but are still trying to figure out how to break the deadlock at Lincoln Financial Field.
Emiliano Martinez came up with a special hairstyle rocking the country's three stars!
GonzĂĄlez saved a deflected shot to keep the game 0-0!
The referee warned the Argentine keeper for delaying the game.
La Selecta put some pressure on the reigning world champs!
The game is underway in Philadelphia!
Both teams are on the field for the national anthems as kick-off draws nearer!
With Messi out, Argentina's iconic No. 10 shirt will remain unused during this international window, as Gaston Edul of TyC Sports reports.
This is how El Salvador will line up in Philly tonight: Mario GonzĂĄlez, Bryan Tamacas, Melvin Cruz, Rudy Clavel, Jorge Cruz, Narciso Orellana, Nelson Flores, Darwin CerĂ©n, Christian MartĂnez; Jairo HenrĂquez, Nelson Bonilla.
Scaloni will try something different tonight, with NehuĂ©n PĂ©rez making his debut while NicolĂĄs Tagliafico will play center-back. Argentina's lineup: Emiliano MartĂnez; NehuĂ©n PĂ©rez, Cristian Romero, NicolĂĄs Tagliafico, NicolĂĄs GonzĂĄlez; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo FernĂĄndez, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso; Ăngel Di MarĂa, Lautaro MartĂnez.
Lionel Messi picked up an injury while playing for Inter Miami, which is why he won't suit up for Argentina tonight. It remains to be seen whether another player will wear No. 10, while Lionel Scaloni has reportedly decided who will take penalties during Leo's absence.
The scene is set at the Lincoln Financial Field, the stage for tonight's international friendly. Home to the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, it opened in 2003 with a club friendly between Barcelona and Manchester United. With a 68,532 capacity, it was home to three Copa América Centenario matches in 2016. In two years, it will host six World Cup fixtures.
These teams met just twice so far, with Argentina emerging victorious both times. Their first matchup came in the 1982 World Cup, with La Albiceleste claiming a 2-0 win in the first round. Last time they met, La Selecta lost 2-0 in a friendly in Washington on March 28, 2015.
Kick-off is set for 8 PM (ET), with many options to watch or live stream the game anywhere in the world. For those in the United States, there's also an option to watch for FREE.
The Argentine national team plays an international friendly against El Salvador in Philadelphia tonight. This will be the first game of the year for the reigning world champions.
