Argentina are in action against Honduras in an international friendly at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, as Lionel Scaloni’s side continues its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The defending world champions entered the match looking to extend their winning run and build momentum ahead of their World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16. While much of the attention before kickoff focused on Lionel Messi’s fitness, the Inter Miami star was not included in Argentina’s starting lineup, though he is available as a substitute.
Messi’s status has been a major talking point after the 38-year-old recently dealt with muscle fatigue. Ahead of the match, Scaloni provided a positive update on the Argentina 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 Starts on Bench for Argentina Against Honduras
GettyLionel Messi
Messi is not in Argentina’s starting XI for the friendly against Honduras.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is available as a substitute after returning to full team training on Friday. Argentina appears to be taking a cautious approach with its captain as the World Cup approaches.
Scaloni said before the match: “He may be part of the friendly matches, getting some minutes in these two friendlies. We’ll see if it’s the one tomorrow or the next one. But he’s doing a lot better and that gives us tranquility.”
Thiago Almada has taken Messi’s place in the starting lineup, while veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi captains the side.
Argentina and Honduras Confirmed Starting Lineups
Argentina’s confirmed lineup:
Argentina XI: Juan Musso; Agustin Giay, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Giuliano Simeone, Exequiel Palacios, Valentin Barco; Giovanni Lo Celso; Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martinez.
Rodrigo De Paul and Messi both begin the match on the bench.
Honduras’ confirmed lineup:
Honduras XI: Edrick Menjivar; Carlos Melendez, Joseph Rosales, Denil Maldonado, G. Sacaza; Kervin Arriaga, Edwin Rodriguez, D. Moncada; Rigoberto Rivas, Jorge Benguche, Luis Palma.
Luis Palma leads the attack for Honduras as they face the reigning world champions.
Half-Time Update: Argentina 1-0 Honduras
Argentina takes a 1-0 lead into the break against Honduras in their international friendly at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.
Lionel Scaloni’s side controlled the first half and were rewarded in the 36th minute when Lautaro Martinez converted a penalty after Nicolas Tagliafico was fouled inside the box by Carlos Melendez.
The breakthrough came moments after Giovanni Lo Celso struck the post, with the rebound falling kindly for Tagliafico before the challenge led to the spot-kick.
Lionel Messi remains on the bench after being left out of the starting lineup as Argentina continues to carefully manage the Inter Miami star’s fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
First-Half Key Moments
- 31′ – Valentin Barco receives the first yellow card of the match for a foul on Joseph Rosales.
- 34′ – Play temporarily stopped as Dereck Moncada receives treatment following a collision with Lisandro Martinez.
- 36′ – Argentina awarded a penalty after Carlos Melendez fouls Nicolas Tagliafico inside the area.
- 37′ – GOAL! Argentina 1-0 Honduras. Lautaro Martinez converts from the penalty spot.
Half-Time Stats
Argentina dominated the opening 45 minutes:
- Shots: Argentina 9-2 Honduras
- Shots on Target: Argentina 5-0 Honduras
- Possession: Argentina 71% – 29% Honduras
- Corners: Argentina 4-0 Honduras
- Fouls: Argentina 9-5 Honduras
- Yellow Cards: Argentina 1-0 Honduras
- Offsides: Argentina 0-2 Honduras
Honduras have yet to register a shot on target and spent long stretches defending deep against sustained Argentine pressure.
Half-Time Score:
Argentina 1-0 Honduras
Goal: Lautaro Martinez 37′ (Penalty)
Argentina 2-0 Honduras
Argentina have taken firm control of the friendly against Honduras, extending their lead to 2-0 early in the second half at Kyle Field. Honduras defender Denil Maldonado was shown a yellow card in the 52nd minute after bringing down Giovanni Lo Celso in midfield, halting another promising Argentine attack.
Just two minutes later, Lionel Scaloni’s side produced the best move of the match. Lautaro Martinez, already on the scoresheet from the penalty spot in the first half, delivered an excellent backheel pass into the penalty area for Giuliano Simeone. The forward timed his run perfectly, brought the ball under control, and finished calmly to double Argentina’s advantage.
The goal capped another dominant spell from the reigning world champions, who have controlled possession throughout the match and continued to create chances despite Lionel Messi starting on the bench.
Both teams have made a series of substitutions just past the hour mark as Argentina maintains their 2-0 lead over Honduras in the international friendly at Kyle Field.
62′ – Argentina Make Four Changes
Lionel Scaloni has refreshed several key positions with an eye on managing minutes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In: Alexis Mac Allister
Out: Giovanni Lo Celso
In: Enzo Fernandez
Out: Thiago Almada
In: Cristian Romero
Out: Lisandro Martinez
In: Jose Manuel Lopez
Out: Lautaro Martinez
Martinez leaves the field after an impressive performance that included a goal from the penalty spot and an assist for Simeone’s strike.
62′ – Honduras Make Two Changes
Honduras also turns to the bench as they look for a way back into the match.
In: Kevin Gutierrez
Out: Edwin Rodriguez
In: Jose David Aguilera Canales
Out: Dereck Moncada
Moncada appeared to be struggling after earlier treatment and is replaced by Aguilera Canales.
72′ – Yellow Card: Facundo Medina (Argentina)
Facundo Medina receives a yellow card after committing a foul on Keyrol Figueroa. The challenge stops a Honduras attack and earns Medina a booking from the referee.
Both teams have used their remaining substitutions as the match enters the final 15 minutes at Kyle Field.
Argentina continue to lead 2-0 thanks to goals from Lautaro Martinez and Giuliano Simeone, while Honduras look for a late response.
78′ – Argentina Make Final Changes
Lionel Scaloni has made his final substitutions of the evening.
In: Santiago Beltran
Out: Juan Musso
In: Nicolas Capaldo
Out: Nicolas Otamendi
Otamendi departs after captaining Argentina for most of the match, while Beltran comes on between the posts for the closing stages.
78′ – Honduras Make Final Changes
Honduras has also completed its substitutions.
In: Luis Vega
Out: Joseph Rosales
In: Exon Arzu
Out: Rigoberto Rivas
In: Cristian Canales
Out: Giancarlos Sacaza
The changes give Honduras some fresh legs as they try to cut into Argentina’s lead.
Current Score
Argentina 2-0 Honduras
Goals
- Lautaro Martinez (Pen.) 37′
- Giuliano Simeone 54′
Stay tuned for live score updates, goals, and key moments from Argentina vs Honduras.
Argentina vs Honduras Match Results Today: International Friendly Live Score, Updates, Stats