[ad_1]
Argentina struggled to create chances without Lionel Messi in the squad as they battled to a 2-0 win over Indonesia in a friendly on Monday, with both goals coming from defensive-minded players.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes scored a long-range goal in the first half as the team were frustrated at their inability to break down a team ranked 149th in the world. Tottenham defender Christian Romero added the second goal shortly after the break.
Lionel Scaloni allowed Messi, who scored in the 2-1 win over Australia in Beijing on Thursday, to return home early to rest. Messi, 35, is expected to make his debut with Inter Miami in July after leaving Paris Saint-Germain to join the American club earlier this month.
After Messi told Chinese media that he might not continue playing for the national team long enough to take part in the 2026 World Cup, Argentina may soon have to get used to the thought of not having the superstar, who steered the country to a third-place finish. The World Cup was won in Qatar last December.
“In principle, Messi is still in the national team and he doesn’t deserve to talk about it anymore,” Scaloni said. “We would like him to play forever but at some point he will leave and it will be a very sad day for everyone.” Argentina still dominated the ball in their first ever match against Indonesia but struggled to break down the hosts, who were shocked by more than 60,000 fans – including the country’s president, Joko Widodo.
After relentless pressure, missed chances and a resolute defense, it took a goal worthy of Messi himself to break the deadlock.
With seven minutes left in the first half, Paredes grabbed possession more than 30 yards from goal and unleashed a powerful shot that gave goalkeeper Hernando Ari no chance.
Indonesia almost equalized early in the second half and had their best chance when Ipswich defender Elkan Bagot headed into the top corner before being tipped over by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Romero then doubled Argentina’s lead after 54 minutes, heading in a corner kick to score his second goal for his country.
[ad_2]
