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Argentina defeated Honduras 2‑0 in a pre‑World Cup friendly at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, on Saturday. Captain Lionel Messi remained on the bench as he continues to recover from muscle fatigue. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 37th minute, and Giuliano Simeone doubled the lead early in the second half after a clever backheel from Martínez. Argentina will face Iceland on June 9 in their final friendly before opening their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16.
Key Points:
Messi’s absence from the friendly shows Argentina is managing his workload carefully ahead of the tournament.
Lautaro Martínez and Simeone stepping up in Messi’s absence gives the team attacking depth.
The win builds confidence, but the real test will come against Algeria in the World Cup opener.
Messi’s potential final World Cup adds emotional weight to every match he plays.
Argentina’s title defence begins on June 16; fans hope Messi will be fully fit by then.
Argentina face Iceland on June 9, where Messi may see limited minutes, before their World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16.
Sources: ESPN, BBC Sport
