Messi scored twice as Argentina won 3-0
Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina produced a comfortable 3-0 win over Honduras to extend their unbeaten run to 34 games.
The 35-year-old was at the centre of the action for the opener, lobbing the ball over the defence to Papu Gomez, who gifted Lautaro Martinez a tap-in.
Messi doubled Argentina’s goal tally with a coolly taken penalty.
The Paris St-Germain forward added a third with a superb chip over the keeper’s head after a defensive mix-up.
Two-time World Cup champions Argentina, who are among favourites for this year’s tournament, open their campaign in Qatar against Saudi Arabia on 22 November.
They play Jamaica on Wednesday in their final game before the tournament.
With their last defeat coming in the 2019 Copa America semi-final, the thousands of Argentina fans amongst a crowd of 64,420 who packed Hard Rock Stadium were in an expectant mood and left delighted as a combative Honduran side were firmly put to the sword.
“The game was what we expected,” Argentina coach Scaloni said.
“I am satisfied with that. As far as players who didn’t play, as a coach I have to manage minutes and rest some players. Most important thing is that whoever plays proves they can belong and can play.”
Honduras failed to qualify for Qatar and were under pressure from the off, as Alejandro Gomez blazed an early effort over before Rodrigo de Paul screwed a shot just wide.
The South Americans were dominating possession with Messi beginning to weave some magic despite being tightly man marked by the Honduran defence.
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