In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, Lionel Messi led Argentina to a resounding 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico in an international friendly match held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The game, originally slated for Chicago, was relocated due to low ticket sales and concerns over an ongoing immigration crackdown in the area. Messi, playing on familiar turf as a member of Inter Miami, showcased his brilliance with two assists and a pivotal role in setting up another goal. His first-half lob set up Gonzalo Montiel’s opener, while a clever back pass in the 83rd minute facilitated Lautaro Martínez’s second goal of the night. Alexis Mac Allister contributed with a brace, and an own goal further cemented Argentina’s dominance. Despite the lopsided matchup between FIFA’s third-ranked team and 155th-ranked Puerto Rico, the latter’s goalkeeper, Sebastian Cutler, made notable saves against Messi. The match, part of Argentina’s World Cup preparations, drew a modest crowd initially but filled up as the game progressed. The relocation controversy and the stark contrast in team rankings added layers of intrigue to the event.
Messi gets two assists, Argentina beats Puerto Rico 6-0 in relocated soccer friendly
