Argentina continued their winning momentum ahead of the World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Honduras in a friendly match held at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. Coach Lionel Scaloni opted to rest captain Lionel Messi for the entire match as a precaution due to lingering muscle fatigue. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring in the 37th minute from a penalty after Nicolás Tagliafico was fouled, while Giuliano Simeone sealed the win with a precise finish in the 51st minute following a backheel assist from Martínez.
Scaloni made several changes throughout the match but avoided risking Messi, who had sustained a minor injury while playing for Inter Miami on May 25. Although Messi has resumed training with the national team, he is yet to regain full fitness. The coach emphasized that no risks would be taken with the 38-year-old star before the World Cup.
Argentina will play their final warm-up match against Iceland on June 9 before beginning their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria. They are placed in Group J alongside Austria and Jordan.