Di Maria Leads Argentina to a Friendly Victory Over Ecuador

Benfica’s winger, Angel Di Maria, led the world champion, Argentine team, to a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in a friendly international football match, held in Chicago as part of the preparations for the Copa America, by scoring the only goal.

Di Maria scored the only goal of the match in the 40th minute, after receiving a pass from Cristian Romero. With Lionel Messi starting on the bench, Di Maria wore the captain’s armband and notched his 31st international goal.

Messi entered the match in the 56th minute, replacing Di Maria, but he was unable to help extend Argentina’s lead, and the score remained 1-0 until the final whistle.

Argentina will play another friendly match on Friday in Maryland against Guatemala before starting their campaign to defend their Copa America title, which is scheduled to be held in the United States.

The Qatar 2022 World Cup champions will begin their journey in the continental championship against Canada on June 20 in Group A, which includes Peru and Chile.

Ecuador will compete in Group B alongside Venezuela and two CONCACAF teams: Mexico and Jamaica.

Out of 16 teams, six of the CONCACAF region (North, Central America, and the Caribbean) are participating in the 48th edition of the continental tournament. These teams are Panama, Canada, Costa Rica, the United States, Mexico, and Jamaica.