Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero struck two goals apiece in Argentina’s 7-0 romp against an out-of-sorts Bolivia, while Mexico were held by Trinidad & Tobago in friendlies in the US on Friday.
A largely second string side, with captain Lionel Messi coming on for the final 20 minutes, took to 12 the number of goals Copa America runners-up Argentina have put past Bolivia in two friendlies this year.
Ezequiel Lavezzi also scored two goals, while Angel Correa struck Argentina’s seventh on his debut against a Bolivia side under new coach Julio Cesar Baldivieso, who barely had time to prepare them for the match in Houston, Texas.
Photo: AFP
Veteran Bolivia defender Ronald Raldes lent the squad US$21,000 of his own money to cover the travel costs to the US for the squad, with the Bolivian Football Federation (FBF) in turmoil over corruption charges against leading officials, Bolivian media reported.
FBF president Carlos Chavez signed the agreement for the match to go ahead from prison, where he has been awaiting trial since his arrest in July, before the organization sacked him, elected new authorities and appointed Baldivieso last week.
“I think the result was right given how seriously and intensely we played with good performances by the debutants and kids who have played little in the team,” Argentina coach Gerardo Martino said.
“The game was useful over and above the problems our opponents had to put a team together and comes in handy at least to impose our gameplan,” he added.
Top-ranked Argentina, warming up for the FIFA World Cup 2018 CONCACAF qualifiers, play again on Tuesday in Dallas, Texas, where they meet Mexico, who drew 3-3 with Trinidad & Tobago in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Friday.
Mexico, under interim coach Ricardo Ferretti, are preparing to meet the US in next month’s playoff for a berth at next year’s FIFA Confederations Cup.
Substitute Hector Herrera salvaged a draw when he equalized four minutes from time with a long-range shot into the top corner.
Striker Jozy Altidore scored twice in the second half, his first from the rebound of his penalty saved by Pedro Gallese, as Juergen Klinsmann’s US side recovered from a goal down to beat Peru 2-1 in Washington.
Uruguay, missing suspended strikers Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, beat Panama 1-0 in Panama City, with an 82nd minute goal by Cristhian Stuani.
Honduras won 3-0 against Venezuela, while in Europe, France beat Portugal 1-0 in Lisbon in their international friendly.
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