Argentina, the FIFA World Cup champions, secured a victory against El Salvador with a 3-0 scoreline in a friendly match held at the iconic Lincoln Financial Field. The game marked a significant event for the stadium, which recently announced its hosting rights for upcoming major soccer tournaments.
The absence of Lionel Messi from the Argentine squad due to a hamstring injury did not dampen the quality of play exhibited by the world-class Argentine players, representing some of the most prominent club teams globally.
Meg Kane, the host city executive of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, expressed excitement over the opportunity to welcome elite talent from Argentina, highlighting the prestige of hosting the reigning World Cup champions at the Philadelphia stadium.
Kane mentioned that the organizing committee had been collaborating closely with FIFA on crucial aspects of the city’s preparations following the recent international match held in February.
Despite the absence of Messi, the game witnessed a turnout of around 15,000 spectators, with factors such as inclement weather, competing events, and the short notice for ticket sales potentially contributing to the moderate attendance.
The match unfolded as expected, with Argentina dominating play, showcasing their strength early on with a goal by Cristian Romero in the 16th minute and subsequently adding to their lead with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Giovani Lo Celso.
El Salvador, ranked significantly lower than Argentina in FIFA rankings, displayed moments of promise but was unable to combat Argentina’s offensive prowess throughout the game.
Lincoln Financial Field is set to host a round-of-16 game during the semiquincentennial and will be the venue for multiple group stage matches in the lead-up to the tournament.
Following their victory against El Salvador, Argentina looks ahead to a clash with Costa Rica at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, while El Salvador will face Honduras on the same day in their upcoming fixtures.
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