Argentina completed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Honduras in an international friendly at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, as Lionel Scaloni’s side continued its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The defending world champions extended their winning streak with another controlled performance ahead of their World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16. Much of the pre-match attention focused on Lionel Messi’s fitness following his recent muscle fatigue, but the Inter Miami star remained an unused substitute despite being included in the matchday squad.
Before kickoff, Scaloni provided an encouraging update on his captain.
“Leo is doing well,” Scaloni said. “Leo trained for a part with the group, which is important. He’s not fully separated; he’s coming along.”
Lionel Messi Remains on Bench as Argentina Rotate Squad
GettyLionel Messi
Messi was not included in Argentina’s starting lineup and ultimately did not feature.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had recently returned to full training, and Argentina opted not to take any risks with the 38-year-old ahead of the World Cup.
Thiago Almada started in Messi’s place, while Nicolas Otamendi captained the side.
Argentina’s starting lineup featured Juan Musso; Agustin Giay, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Giuliano Simeone, Exequiel Palacios, Valentin Barco; Giovanni Lo Celso; Thiago Almada and Lautaro Martinez.
Lautaro Martinez Opens the Scoring Before Giuliano Simeone Adds Second
Argentina controlled much of the first half and eventually broke through in the 37th minute.
After Giovanni Lo Celso struck the post, Nicolas Tagliafico collected the rebound and was brought down inside the penalty area by Carlos Melendez. Lautaro Martinez stepped up and converted the penalty to give Argentina a deserved 1-0 lead.
The reigning world champions dominated the first-half statistics, recording nine shots to Honduras’ two and holding 71 percent possession.
Argentina doubled its advantage in the 54th minute through an excellent team move.
Martinez turned provider with a clever backheel pass into the box for Giuliano Simeone, who timed his run perfectly before finishing calmly past Edrick Menjivar.
The goal capped an impressive performance from Martinez, who finished with one goal and one assist before being substituted shortly after the hour mark.
Lionel Scaloni Makes Wholesale Changes
With the result under control, Scaloni rotated heavily during the second half.
Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Cristian Romero and Jose Manuel Lopez entered in the 62nd minute. Later substitutions included Santiago Beltran, Nicolas Capaldo, Tomas Aranda and Joaquin Freitas.
Honduras also made several changes but struggled to create meaningful opportunities against Argentina’s defense.
Argentina Dominates Final Statistics
The final numbers reflected Argentina’s superiority throughout the contest.
Final Stats
- Shots: Argentina 17, Honduras 3
- Shots on Target: Argentina 9, Honduras 0
- Possession: Argentina 72%, Honduras 28%
- Corners: Argentina 6, Honduras 1
Argentina finished with four yellow cards, including stoppage-time bookings for Nicolas Capaldo, while Honduras received one caution.
The victory gives Argentina another confidence boost heading into the World Cup, where Scaloni’s side will attempt to defend the title it won in Qatar.
Full-Time: Argentina 2-0 Honduras
Goals
- Lautaro Martinez 37′ (Penalty)
- Giuliano Simeone 54′
Argentina vs Honduras Match Results Today: International Friendly Live Score, Updates, Stats