Video: Lionel Messi can’t watch as Spain thrash Argentina 6-1
Argentina’s World Cup preparations are hit for six in Madrid with Isco scoring a hat-trick for Spain
Spain 6 Argentina 1
Argentina’s World Cup preparations took a huge dent last night after losing 6-1 to Spain at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.
The 2014 finalists were simply outplayed by “razor-sharp” Spain, said the BBC. Attacking midfielder Isco scored a hat-trick for Spain and he was joined on the scoresheet by Diego Costa, Thiago Alcantara and Iago Aspas.
Nicolas Otamendi scored for Argentina to make it 2-1, but Spain ran away with the victory after four goals in the second-half.
Argentina were without their star striker Lionel Messi, who watched on from the stands in Madrid. Messi, who plays for Barcelona, could not hide his disappointment as Spain surged to victory.
The Daily Mail reported that Messi “had seen enough” of the embarrassing show and said his goodbyes with 13 minutes remaining.
Spain are now unbeaten in 18 games and on this performance will be a major threat at this summer’s World Cup finals in Russia, says the BBC.
International round-up
In last night’s other games, Brazil got revenge for their 2014 World Cup semi-final humiliation by winning 1-0 against Germany in Berlin.
Brazil, who lost 7-1 to Germany in their home World Cup four years ago, had Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus to thank after he scored the winning goal after 37 minutes.
France travelled to World Cup hosts Russia and secured a 3-1 win last night. Kylian Mbappe netted a double and Paul Pogba scored a stunning free-kick.
England drew 1-1 with Italy at Wembley and the Three Lions’s World Cup group opponents were also in action last night.
Belgium eased to a 4-0 win against Saudi Arabia with Romelu Lukaku (two), Michy Batshuayi and Kevin De Bruyne scoring the goals.
Tunisia won 1-0 against Costa Rica but Panama suffered a 6-0 thumping by Switzerland.