Lionel Messi Makes History in Argentina’s 6-0 Triumph as Jose Manuel Lopez Shines with Dream Debut in Football News
Lionel Messi made history on Tuesday as he led Argentina to a resounding 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico in an international friendly at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This match was particularly significant, as it marked Messi’s return to international play after the World Cup triumph.
Lionel Messi’s Milestone Performance
Messi showcased his exceptional skills, contributing two assists that allowed him to break the world record for most international assists. His total now stands at 60 for Argentina, surpassing Neymar’s previous record of 58.
Game Highlights
- Argentina’s goals were scored by Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martínez, each netting two goals.
- José Manuel López had a standout debut, providing a critical assist to Mac Allister.
- An own goal from Puerto Rico contributed to Argentina’s goal tally.
Match Circumstances
This friendly match was initially scheduled for Chicago but was moved due to reported low ticket sales and local immigration issues. The Argentine soccer federation cited a crackdown leading to over 1,000 arrests in the Chicago area. Tickets for the match, available at a low price of $25, reflected the unusual circumstances surrounding the event.
The stadium was about half-filled at kickoff, but attendance increased as the match progressed. The matchup featured Argentina, ranked third in the world by FIFA, against the 155th-ranked Puerto Rico team, which included some college-level players.
Noteworthy Players
- Sebastian Cutler, the Puerto Rican goalkeeper, made impressive saves against Messi.
- Noeh Hernández contributed three goals this season for DePaul, highlighting the blend of talent in Puerto Rico’s roster.
Looking Ahead
This friendly was part of Argentina’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup, which will take place in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026. As the match unfolded, U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at potential changes regarding the locations of World Cup matches, citing unrest in parts of Boston.
With this impressive victory, Lionel Messi not only secured a historic achievement but also showcased Argentina’s readiness for the challenges ahead as they defend their title on the world stage.
