Messi remains a danger
to opponents as ever, especially to Nicaragua, ranked 129th in the world in
footballing terms. He opened scoring in the 38th minute. In the construct to
Messi's first goal - a solo goal, he brilliantly danced past three defenders before
clinically finishing past goalkeeper Lorente. His second goal, came in less
than a minute later from a Sergio Aguero rebound. Messi has now scored 67 goals
for Argentina.
Messi and
Aguero were then replaced at half-time by Paulo Dybala and Martinez. Inter’s Martinez added to Argentina's lead by
curling a shot into the bottom corner of the net with 27 minutes remaining,
then fired home a fourth from close range 10 minutes later. Argentina's third
substitute, Roberto Pereyra tapped in the simplest of goals in the final nine
minutes to make it 5-0. Nicaragua were able to score a consolation goal through
penalty, in stoppage time after a Nicolas Otamendi handball.
Messi has
played and lost three Copa finals - 2007, 2015 and 2016, with Argentina lastly
winning the competition in 1993. Argentina debut their Copa America campaign
against Colombia in Salvador on June 15. Lionel
Scaloni's men are currently second favorites with hosts Brazil tipped to win
the Copa America.
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