Argentina’s Lionel Messi made a sensational return to the national team as the reigning World Cup champions dominated Puerto Rico 6-0 in an international friendly at Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The match highlighted Messi’s world-record-breaking performance for international assists and the stunning debut of young talent José Manuel López.
The scoring for Argentina was led by Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martínez, each netting a brace. José Manuel López, in his first match for the national team, contributed with a brilliant assist for Martínez’s second goal. Messi opened the game with a deft lob that set up Gonzalo Montiel’s early strike and later provided a precise back pass for Martínez’s goal in the 83rd minute. These two assists allowed Messi to surpass Neymar’s record, bringing his total international assists to 60 and his overall career assists to 398.
The game was originally scheduled in Chicago but was moved to Fort Lauderdale due to a combination of low ticket sales and an immigration crackdown affecting the Chicago area. Despite the unusual circumstances, Messi delivered a masterclass in playmaking, showcasing his skill and vision on the field he now calls home with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Argentina’s victory also featured an own goal and solid defensive play, while Puerto Rico, ranked 155th by FIFA, included some college players. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and his defense had to remain alert, especially early in the match when Puerto Rico’s Leandro Antonetti nearly scored from a long-range attempt.
The friendly match serves as a crucial warm-up for Argentina ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Argentina’s team showed cohesion and attacking prowess, while Messi reinforced why he remains one of the sport’s greatest icons, breaking records and mentoring emerging talents like López.
