AGS NEWS – Argentina didn’t miss Lionel Messi’s presence as they clinched a 3-0 friendly victory against El Salvador in Philadelphia, gearing up for their Copa America title defense.

Defender Cristian Romero scored first in the 16th minute, followed by goals from Enzo Fernández in the 42nd and Giovani Lo Celso in the 52nd at the Lincoln Financial Field.

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Messi, sidelined due to a hamstring tweak during Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup match, missed the game and the upcoming friendly against Costa Rica.

Despite the absence of their star player, Argentina dominated the match against a struggling El Salvador team.

Romero’s header from a corner kick opened the scoring, followed by Fernández’s goal from Rodrigo de Paul’s assist.

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Lo Celso sealed the victory with a left-footed shot after a brilliant connection between Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez.

Manager Lionel Scaloni also gave playing time to youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Valentin Barco during the match.