Argentina beat Costa Rica 3-1 in friendly without Messi

DPA
·1 min read
Argentina's Angel Di Maria celebrates his goal during the international friendly soccer match between Argentina and Costa Rica at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Ringo Chiu/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Argentina's Angel Di Maria celebrates his goal during the international friendly soccer match between Argentina and Costa Rica at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Ringo Chiu/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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World champions Argentina came from behind to beat Costa Rica 3-1 in a friendly international on Tuesday night, in the injury-related absence of their star Lionel Messi.

Benfica's Angel di Maria in the 52nd and Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister four minutes later turned the match around in Los Angeles, after Costa Rica had led from Manfred Ugalde's first-half effort.

Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez wrapped up matters with 13 minutes left.

Argentina captain Messi missed the friendlies, which also included a 3-0 over El Salvador on the weekend, with a muscle injury.

The two wins will give Argentina confidence for this summer's Copa America in the United States, where they are the defending champions.

Argentina's Lautaro Martinez celebrates his goal with teammates during the international friendly soccer match between Argentina and Costa Rica at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Ringo Chiu/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Argentina's Lautaro Martinez celebrates his goal with teammates during the international friendly soccer match between Argentina and Costa Rica at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Ringo Chiu/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa