Mac Allister and Martinez Brace Inspire Argentina to 6-0 Victory Over Puerto Rico

Argentina showcased their offensive firepower as Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez each scored two goals, leading the Albiceleste to a convincing 6-0 win over Puerto Rico in an international friendly on Tuesday.

Match Summary

Key Events

• 14th minute: Mac Allister opened the scoring with a header, asserting Argentina’s early dominance.
• 23rd minute: Lionel Messi, playing the full 90 minutes, provided a through ball to Gonzalo Montiel, who slotted it into the bottom left corner.
• 36th minute: Mac Allister scored his second, giving Argentina a 3-0 lead at half-time.
• 64th minute: Puerto Rico’s Steven Echevarria inadvertently scored an own goal, extending Argentina’s lead to 4-0.
• 79th and 84th minutes: Martinez, who came on in the 63rd minute, struck twice, with the second assisted by Messi, sealing the emphatic victory.

Additional Context

• The match was relocated from Chicago to the home pitch of Messi’s MLS club Inter Miami, reportedly due to low ticket sales.
• Argentina had previously defeated Colombia 1-0 last Friday, while Puerto Rico had beaten St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2-1 on the same day.

Player Highlights

• Alexis Mac Allister: Dominated the midfield and scored a brace, demonstrating his quality as a Liverpool standout.
• Lautaro Martinez: Came off the bench to add two late goals, showcasing his lethal finishing.
• Lionel Messi: Assisted two goals and controlled play throughout, reinforcing his role as the creative engine of the team.