Ángel Di María scored as Lionel Messi returned to the international stage for the first time in six months, helping Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in a Copa América warmup match on Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Messi was sidelined for the first half before replacing Di María in the 56th minute, reports ESPN News Services.
A right hamstring injury kept the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and Inter Miami star from participating in Argentina's previous two Copa América warmup matches against El Salvador and Costa Rica in March.
"With Leo [Messi], there is no need to risk him. Not just with him, but others like [Nicolas] Otamendi didn't play. Angel [Di María] only played some minutes, Julian [Alvarez] and Lautaro [Martinez] the same", said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
"We want to take care of these players, and allow them to arrive in their best possible conditions to the tournament".
Messi returns as Argentina beat Ecuador in Copa America warm-up
FE Team | Published: June 11, 2024 00:41:08
Messi returns as Argentina beat Ecuador in Copa America warm-up
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