Messi shines with two assists as Argentina thrash Puerto Rico 6-0 in a friendly

Bangla Press Desk: Lionel Messi had two assists and helped start a play that led to another goal, as reigning World Cup champion Argentina beat Puerto Rico 6-0 in a relocated international friendly on Tuesday night.

The match was originally scheduled to be played Monday in Chicago, before promoters moved the game last week. Officials in Chicago said low ticket sales were to blame; officials with the Argentine soccer federation said the immigration crackdown in Chicago was responsible.

Playing on the field he calls home with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Messi flicked a quick lob to set up Gonzalo Montiel’s score in the first half and then had a nifty back pass that created Lautaro Martínez’s second goal of the night in the 83rd minute.

Alexis Mac Allister had two goals for Argentina, which also benefited from an own goal midway through the second half.

The match was part of Argentina’s preparations for the World Cup, which will be played in the U.S., Mexico and Canada next year from June 11 to July 19.

BP/SP