Argentina 6-0 Puerto Rico

By Alonso Contreras

Date & Venue: October 14, 2025, at Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Original plan / relocation: The match was initially scheduled for October 13 at Soldier Field in Chicago, but was moved due to logistic and security concerns (including low ticket sales and unrest in Chicago).
Result: Argentina 6 – 0 Puerto Rico
Purpose: The game served as part of Argentina’s international friendly window, in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lineups, Key Stats & Scorers

Alexis Mac Allister: 2 goals (14′, 36′)
Gonzalo Montiel: 1 goal (23′), assisted by Messi’s lobbed pass
Own Goal — Steven Echevarría: 64′ (deflected cross)
Lautaro Martínez: 2 goals (79′, 84′) — one assisted by Messi’s back-pass flick
Messi: did not score, but registered 2 assists and was instrumental in chance creation.

Early scare: Puerto Rico nearly stunned Argentina early when Leandro Antonetti attempted a long-range shot from midfield that almost caught Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez off guard.
After that moment, Argentina took over control, dominating possession, creating chances, and gradually building the lead.
In the second half, Argentina rotated a few players, but the intensity and control remained.
Puerto Rico’s resistance was limited. Their defensive shape was repeatedly breached, and they lacked the quality or cohesion to contain Argentina’s attacking thrusts.

Argentina’s depth and flexibility: With many players of high caliber on the pitch, they were able to maintain attacking pressure even when substituting.
Messi as facilitator: Although he didn’t score, his vision, movement, and combination play remained a key influence in breaking down defenses.
Puerto Rico’s limitations: The disparity in quality was evident. Some of their roster comprised non-professional or collegiate players, which in such a contest made defending and building play difficult.

Morale & momentum for Argentina: A dominant 6–0 win like this helps reinforce confidence heading into more challenging fixtures and the World Cup campaign.
Messi’s legacy continues: His assist tally and creative impact further underline that even as he ages, he remains central to Argentina’s tactics.
Questions for Puerto Rico: The gulf in class suggests that for Puerto Rico to be competitive, structural improvements, stronger talent pipelines, and more high-level match exposure will be essential.
Fixture criticism: Some observers have questioned Argentina’s scheduling, noting that Puerto Rico is ranked much lower (FIFA ranking ~155) which may not provide the toughest tests in preparation.