Angel Di Maria, Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez rescued Argentina on Tuesday as the world champions came from behind to beat Costa Rica 3-1 in an international friendly in Los Angeles.
The South American powerhouses, without their injured captain Lionel Messi, concluded their two-match tour of the United States with a well-deserved triumph at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Under Lionel Scaloni’s guidance, the Argentine team, having secured a 3-0 victory against El Salvador in Philadelphia on Friday, dominated the first 45 minutes, creating numerous promising opportunities. However, it was Costa Rica who seized the lead in the 34th minute following a swift counter-attack.
Alvaro Zamora capitalized on Manfred Ugalde’s pass, unleashing a low shot that Argentina goalkeeper Walter Benitez blocked. Nonetheless, Benitez’s save rebounded favorably to Ugalde, who bundled it into the net for a 1-0 lead.
Argentina restored parity early in the second half with a magnificent equalizer from the experienced Di Maria in the 52nd minute. The 36-year-old Benfica winger executed a splendid free-kick from just outside the box, finding the top corner beyond the reach of Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
Four minutes later, Argentina doubled their lead from a set-piece. Nicolas Tagliafico struck the crossbar with a header after a corner, and Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister reacted swiftly to nod home the rebound from close range, making it 2-1.
Inter Milan forward Martinez made the game safe in the 77th minute, latching on to a delightful through ball by Rodrigo De Paul before lifting a deft finish over Navas.