Leo Messi on target as Argentina beat Guatemala 4-1

Lionel Messi celebrates his goal v Guatemala with Julian Alvarez in Landover on Friday. Pic/AFP

Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina wrapped up their preparations for the Copa America with a 4-1 friendly victory over Guatemala in Maryland on Friday.

Messi grabbed an early equaliser and then dinked in Argentina's fourth as the world champions came from behind in what was their final game before they launch the defence of their Copa America crown against Canada in Atlanta next Thursday.

Guatemala took a shock lead after only four minutes at Commanders Field in Landover when a free-kick from Oscar Santis from wide on the left sowed confusion in the Argentina defence. Santis's cross bobbled across the six-yard box and ended with Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez scooping an attempted clearance into his net for an own goal.

But Argentina equalised in the 12th minute after a disastrous blunder by Guatemala goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen.

Under no real pressure, Hagen screwed an attempted clearance from a back pass straight to an unmarked Messi in the middle of the penalty area. The Argentina captain duly took full advantage of his gift-wrapped opportunity, coolly tucking away his 107th international goal.

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