Preview: Messi Chases Record as Argentina Aim for Big Win Over Guatemala in Friendly

On June 15 at 8 am, Argentina travels to face Guatemala in their second friendly match, with high expectations of victory given the opponent’s low FIFA ranking of 108th.

Since winning the 2022 World Cup, Argentina has reclaimed the world number one spot, enjoying a 14-match winning streak before losing 0-2 to Uruguay in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup South American qualifiers. Since the second group stage game of the World Cup, Argentina has played 19 matches, achieving an impressive 18 wins and only one loss, boasting a 94.7% win rate.

In 2024, Argentina has played three friendlies, defeating El Salvador 3-0, Costa Rica 3-1, and Ecuador 1-0. However, Messi missed the March international fixtures due to injury and made his return against Ecuador, coming off the bench without scoring.

For Messi, the goal is to regain form ahead of the Copa America and chase a significant milestone: scoring in 19 consecutive calendar years for the national team since his debut in 2006. As Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 106 goals in 181 appearances, both records are unmatched, although he trails rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has netted 130 goals for Portugal.

With the World Cup title already secured, Messi’s focus remains on team accolades, leading Argentina to defend their Copa America title and replicating Spain’s major tournament treble. Facing the weaker Guatemala provides an opportunity for the Albiceleste to build momentum.

Guatemala, ranked 108th by FIFA, is considered a weak or even minnow team in global football. In their last 10 games, they’ve managed just two wins, four draws, and four losses, losing to Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, Iceland, and Ecuador, while securing victories against Dominica and the British Virgin Islands. However, the strength of these opponents doesn’t offer much comparative value.

Argentina has won nine of its last 10 matches, with a 90% win rate, scoring 17 goals and conceding only three, keeping eight clean sheets. Defense is key to the success of the Albiceleste. Alongside Messi, Ángel Di María’s form also needs improvement; his recent goal is a positive sign for the Argentine squad.

Historically, Argentina has dominated their encounters with Guatemala, winning all three previous meetings with scorelines of 5-0, 4-0, and 3-0, scoring 12 goals without conceding. This gives them a massive psychological advantage heading into the match.

>>”> For more prediction analysis, please click >>>