When Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini, captain of Argentina national football team, stepped onto the pitch at Chase Stadium on Tuesday night, the atmosphere was electric. The 38‑year‑old Inter Miami star didn’t need to score to make headlines – two pinpoint assists and a pre‑assist set‑up helped the Argentina side trounce Puerto Rico 6‑0, sending a clear signal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Match Overview: A Friendly with Real Stakes
During Argentina vs Puerto Rico international friendlyChase Stadium, the Albiceleste dominated from the first whistle. The game kicked off at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, broadcast live on beIN SPORTS USA. By the 14th minute, Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring, and the floodgates never really closed.
Goals flowed: Mac Allister struck again at 36’, Gonzalo Montiel (who also captains Sevilla FC) netted at 23’, an own‑goal by Puerto Rico’s defender Steven Echevarria at 64’, and Lautaro Javier Martínez capped the night with a brace in the 79’ and 84’ minutes. The final whistle confirmed a 6‑0 victory, with the fourth official adding a single minute of stoppage time.
Tactical Breakdown: Why Argentina Overran Their Opponents
Coach Lionel Scaloni deployed a high‑press 4‑3‑3 that squeezed Puerto Rico’s midfield, forcing errors that Argentina turned into quick transitions. Messi, though subbed off in the 64th minute, acted as the creative fulcrum. His first assist came from a low‑driven pass into the box that Mac Allister latched onto, while the second was a clever cut‑back that found Martínez racing toward the goal.
Statistically, Argentina completed 68 % of their passes, outshot Puerto Rico 22‑3, and held 78 % possession in the final 30 minutes. The data echoes a team that’s not only technically superior but also physically conditioned to sustain pressure – a crucial trait for the grueling qualification campaign.
Player Spotlights: Messi, Mac Allister, and Martínez Shine
Messi may not have added his name to the scoresheet, but his influence was undeniable. According to the AP report, he “had two assists and helped start a play that led to another goal,” underscoring his role as a playmaker even when the ball isn’t at his feet. The fans at Chase Stadium gave him a standing ovation when he left the field, a rare acknowledgment for a player who’s more often celebrated for his goals.
Alexis Mac Allister earned a well‑deserved Man of the Match award, delivering two goals and consistently linking midfield to attack. His composure inside the box reminded many of his performances at Brighton, where he first made his mark in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Lautaro Javier Martínez added a brace that highlighted his lethal finishing. The striker’s movement — darting between defenders and timing his runs — mirrors the style he displayed during the 2022 World Cup, when he scored against France.
Reactions: Fans, Media, and the Road Ahead
Local fans in Miami, many of whom turned out to support Inter Miami’s own Messi, expressed sheer delight. Social media chimed with hashtags like #MessiMagic and #AlbicelesteDominance, while pundits on beIN SPORTS praised the “clinical efficiency” of the Argentine side.
Internationally, the result serves as a benchmark. After their 2022 triumph, Argentina has been keen to prove they can replicate that level across different continents. The 6‑0 rout, especially on U.S. soil, sends a message to CONMEBOL rivals that the squad is still a force to be reckoned with.
Puerto Rico’s coach, John Cutler, admitted the team was outclassed but highlighted the experience gained against a world champion side as invaluable for the island’s developing program.
Looking Forward: What This Means for the 2026 Qualifiers
Argentina’s next fixtures include a home clash against Uruguay in Montevideo and a travel test to Colombia. If the level shown in Miami carries over, the Albiceleste could clinch qualification with matches to spare.
For Messi, the friendly adds another chapter to his legacy: a captain who can dominate without scoring, reinforcing his status as a “complete” player. As the United States, Canada, and Mexico gear up to host the 2026 World Cup, Argentina’s performance in North America could also boost commercial interest and fan engagement across the continent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect Argentina's World Cup qualifying campaign?
The 6‑0 win gives Argentina a hefty goal‑difference boost and builds confidence heading into the South American qualifiers. It also showcases tactical flexibility under Scaloni, which could prove decisive against tighter defenses later in the campaign.
Why was the match played at Chase Stadium instead of a larger venue?
The friendly was "relocated" due to scheduling conflicts with the original venue. Chase Stadium, home of Inter Miami CF, offered a convenient location for Messi and allowed a sizeable Miami audience to witness the match live.
Did any Puerto Rican players stand out despite the loss?
Goalkeeper William John Cutler made several commendable saves in the first half, keeping the scoreline respectable before the defensive collapse. Midfielder José Ydrach also displayed tenacity, attempting to break up Argentina’s presses.
What was the significance of Messi’s two assists?
Messi’s assists highlighted his vision and ability to dictate play even when not scoring. The first set up Mac Allister’s early lead; the second helped Martínez secure his brace, underlining Messi’s lingering influence on the world stage.
When is Argentina's next official competitive match?
Argentina’s next competitive fixture is scheduled for November 12, 2025, against Uruguay in Montevideo, a key CONMEBOL qualifier that will test the team’s defensive resilience.
