Photo: Collected
A goal from Angel Di Maria earned Argentina a comfortable 1-0 win over Ecuador in a pre-Copa America friendly in Chicago on Sunday (9 June). Di Maria, who will retire from international duty after the Copa America, gave Argentina the lead five minutes before the break after a through ball from Cristian Romero. However, they were unable to extend their advantage in the second half.
"It was a deserved win. We have to keep working as we always do and stay as united," Di Maria said after the game. "Ecuador are an opponent we could meet in the Copa. We know it's going to be a very difficult tournament. Today was a good game to show what we can do."
Messi was sidelined for the first half before replacing Di Maria in the 56th minute. A right hamstring injury kept the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and Inter Miami star from participating in Argentina’s previous two Copa America warmup matches against El Salvador and Costa Rica in March.
“Sometimes there is no need to risk it, not only with Leo. It is about taking care of them so that they arrive in optimal conditions,” Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said of his decision to sit Messi for the first half.
Messenger/Hasan
