Argentina continues winning start to 2024

Friendly win over Ecuador

Messi and Enzo Fernandez score

Argentina continued its winning start to 2024 with a solid if not spectacular victory in Chicago. The friendly that Walter Samuel was referring to took place on June 9, the first of three friendlies that Argentina will play in the United States before the Copa America.

Argentina took the lead in the 28th minute when Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot. Messi was brought down in the area by Ecuadorian goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez, and the Barcelona star made no mistake from 12 yards.

Argentina doubled its lead in the 58th minute when Enzo Fernandez scored a fine goal. The Chelsea midfielder picked up the ball on the left wing and drove into the Ecuadorian area before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.

Ecuador pulled a goal back in the 71st minute when Enner Valencia scored from close range, but Argentina held on for the win.

The victory was Argentina's second in as many games under new coach Samuel. The former Argentina international has now won both of his games in charge, and he will be looking to continue his winning start when Argentina faces Honduras in their next friendly on June 13.