Argentina Player Ratings: Messi Masterclass in 6-0 Rout of Puerto Rico | OneFootball

Lionel Messi delivered a masterful performance with two assists, guiding the reigning world champions Argentina to a resounding 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico in a relocated friendly on Tuesday night.

The match, originally scheduled for Chicago, was instead played at Chase Stadium, the home of Messi’s Inter Miami. For the local fans, the captain certainly put on a show. He first set up a goal for Gonzalo Montiel with a deft lob before creating another for substitute Lautaro Martínez with a clever back-pass. In addition, both Alexis Mac Allister and Martínez scored a brace, with an own goal rounding out the comprehensive win.

This friendly was part of Argentina’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Ultimately, it highlighted the vast gulf in class between FIFA’s No. 3 ranked team and No. 155 ranked Puerto Rico, who fielded several college players in their lineup.

Here is how the individual performances rated at Chase Stadium:

Argentina Player Ratings vs Puerto Rico

Goalkeeper & Defence

Emiliano Martínez (GK) – 7/10: An audacious long-range effort nearly caught him out in the opening minutes, but he recovered well. Beyond that early scare, however, he was a virtual spectator and secured a simple, clean sheet.

Leonardo Balerdi (CB) – 7/10: The defender delivered a calm and collected performance and was never troubled. Furthermore, he was crisp and accurate in possession, helping to build attacks from the back.

Gonzalo Montiel (RB) – 8/10: He produced a fantastic performance, which he capped with a well-taken goal created by a moment of Messi magic. He was a constant threat down the flank and remained solid throughout.

Nico González (LB) – 8/10: An outstanding display from the wing-back, who contributed two assists. His direct running and tireless work rate were a key feature of Argentina’s attack and caused constant problems.

Nicolás Otamendi (CB) – 7/10: The veteran was the picture of composure, organising the backline with authority. While he had little to do defensively, his passing was flawless, and he ensured the team remained structurally sound.

Midfield

Rodrigo De Paul (CM) – 8/10: As the engine of the team, he ran the show from midfield. He dictated the tempo, consistently broke the lines with his forward passing, and was central to Argentina’s dominance.

Giovani Lo Celso (CM) – 7.5/10: He delivered a silky and elegant performance alongside De Paul. Indeed, he controlled the middle of the park with smooth dribbling and precise passing, gliding through the game.

Giuliano Simeone (CM) – 7/10: Played his role perfectly by providing balance in midfield. He kept possession ticking over with simple, effective passes, which allowed the team’s more creative players the freedom to attack.

Alexis Mac Allister (CM) – 8.5/10: A brilliant, all-action display from the midfielder, who bagged a deserved brace. He was a bundle of energy and timed his runs into the box perfectly.

Argentina Player Ratings vs Puerto Rico

Forwards & Substitutes

Lionel Messi (FW) – 9/10 (Man of the Match): A true masterclass from the captain. While he didn’t score himself, he was the architect of the victory, providing two sublime assists and being at the heart of every good move. His vision and execution remain second to none.

José Manuel López (ST) – 8.0/10: He delivered a sharp and intelligent performance leading the line. Although he didn’t score, his constant movement created space for others, and he linked up play beautifully.

Lautaro Martínez (for López) – 8/10: Made a superb impact from the bench, showing his predatory instincts to score a clinical brace. In particular, his second goal was a fine finish, created by a delightful back-pass from Messi.

Other Substitutes: The remaining substitutes entered a game that was already decided, but helped maintain the team’s high tempo and control.

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