Lionel Messi returned to the Argentina national team after a nearly seven-month absence due to injury, as they secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Ecuador in a Copa America warm-up match played in Chicago.
While Messi, now playing for Inter Miami, started on the bench due to a hamstring injury that sidelined him for Argentina’s friendlies in March, he came on as a substitute for Angel Di Maria in the 56th minute.
Di Maria, who captained the team in Messi’s absence, had put Argentina ahead with a goal in the 40th minute, following a brilliant pass from Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni emphasized caution with Messi, stating, “There is no need to risk him.” Scaloni’s priority is to ensure his star players are in peak condition for the Copa America defense.
Argentina, the reigning World Champions, will play another friendly against Guatemala in Maryland this Saturday before their Copa America opener against Canada on June 21st.
