The Argentine national team faces Puerto Rico in a preparatory friendly at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, United States, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The match, which started at 9:00 PM Brasília time, shows a 0-3 scoreline for Argentina in the first half at 37 minutes. Lionel Messi is on the field for Argentina, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring two goals and Gonzalo Montiel one, assisted by Nicolás González, Julián Álvarez, and Javier López. The game is ongoing, serving as a test for the 2026 World Cup.
Puerto Rico uses a 4-3-3 formation, with Leandro Antonetti as captain and goalkeeper Sean Cutler. The Caribbean team, ranked 155th by FIFA, seeks experience against elite opponents. Argentina, ranked 3rd, employs a 4-4-2 under Lionel Scaloni, with Messi as captain.
- Partial score: Puerto Rico 0 x 3 Argentina
- Goals: Mac Allister (14′ and 36′), Montiel (23′)
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale
- Broadcast: Disney+ in Brazil
Early strikes define Argentina’s dominance
The match began with Argentina applying pressure, opening the score early. At 14 minutes, Mac Allister finished precisely after a pass from González. Puerto Rico tried to respond, but Argentina’s defense contained their initial moves. The game continues with Argentina holding possession.
Montiel extended the lead at 23 minutes, heading in a cross from Messi. Puerto Rico adjusted their marking but struggled with positioning. Antonetti, their top-rated player, organized limited attacking plays.
Key moments timeline
Here is the chronology of decisive moments up to 37 minutes:
- 14′: Nicolás González sets up Mac Allister, who shoots low into the left corner for Argentina’s first goal. Puerto Rico protests an uncalled foul.
- 23′: Messi advances on the right and crosses for Montiel to head in firmly, making it 2-0. Puerto Rico’s defense fails in aerial coverage.
- 36′: Julián Álvarez recovers the ball in midfield and passes to Mac Allister, who dribbles a defender and scores from outside the box.
- 37′: Puerto Rico attempts a counterattack with Rivera, but Otamendi intercepts. Argentina controls the pace.
- Pause point: At 37:10, the first half continues with Argentina in constant attack, no goals for Puerto Rico.
Lineups and individual highlights
Puerto Rico fields Cutler in goal, with Paris, Cardona, Calderon, and Echeverria in defense. Angking, Ydrach, and De León control the midfield, while Rivera, Antonetti, and R. Rivera attack. Substitutes include Serrano and Aristizabal.
Argentina starts Martínez in goal, Montiel, Balerdi, Otamendi, and González in defense. Simeone, De Paul, Lo Celso, and Mac Allister form the midfield, with Messi and López up top. Rulli and Lautaro Martínez are on the bench.
Wilfredo Rivera leads Puerto Rico’s ratings with high passing accuracy. Mac Allister, with two goals, stands out for Argentina, followed by Messi for assists. Antonetti coordinates Puerto Rico’s attack.
Tactical strategies on display
Argentina’s 4-4-2 prioritizes quick transitions, with De Paul setting the tempo. Puerto Rico, in a 4-3-3, focuses on counterattacks but struggles with Argentina’s intensity. Scaloni adjusts positions to test variations.
Coach Charlie Trout instructs Puerto Rico to press high, but defensive errors prove costly. Messi moves freely, creating space for finishes. The match tests young players like Angking against veterans.
Player ratings and partial substitutions
So far, Mac Allister has played 36 minutes with total impact. Messi records an assist and high dribbling stats. In Puerto Rico, Isaac Angking attempts infiltrations without success.
Substitutions are gradual: Puerto Rico replaces Ignacio Antonetti with a defensive option. Argentina keeps its starting lineup, conserving energy. Ratings are based on official match statistics.
The match remains in progress, with Argentina holding the advantage. Puerto Rico seeks a reaction in the remaining first half.
