Argentina Beats Honduras 2-0 As Martinez And Simeone Score, Messi Benched

Argentina eased past Honduras 2-0 in their penultimate World Cup warm-up, showing depth even without Lionel Messi. Lautaro Martinez converted a first-half penalty and Giuliano Simeone scored after the interval, while Lionel Scaloni’s team controlled territory, created frequent chances and restricted Honduras to four efforts that never forced a save from goalkeeper Juan Musso.

Messi remained on the bench throughout at Kyle Field, as Argentina managed minutes carefully due to ongoing muscle fatigue. Scaloni has already stated Messi is expected to return to the starting line-up for Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, so this match served to test alternatives within the attacking structure.

Argentina’s forwards delivered constant pressure against Honduras, underlined by the shot numbers and underlying data. They produced 20 attempts worth 2.28 expected goals, with eight efforts on target. Honduras, by contrast, struggled to advance into dangerous positions, finishing with four shots that did not trouble Musso, highlighting a controlled defensive display from Argentina across both halves.

Giuliano Simeone stood out against Honduras with an energetic performance in multiple attacking roles for Argentina. Simeone attempted four shots, level with Giovani Lo Celso for a joint-game-high, and three of those tested goalkeeper Edrick Menjivar. Only Martinez had more touches in the Honduras box, registering 11 to Simeone’s eight, while Simeone also created five chances, another leading figure.

The breakthrough against Honduras arrived after sustained Argentina pressure, sparked by longer-range attempts from midfield. Lo Celso struck the corner of the frame from distance before Cristopher Melendez fouled Nicolas Tagliafico inside the area. Martinez took responsibility from the spot, guiding a composed penalty into the bottom-left corner on 37 minutes as Menjivar dived correctly but could not reach the shot.

Earlier, Argentina had needed time to settle at Kyle Field, yet still carved early openings against Honduras. Within the first 11 minutes, both Simeone and Martinez drew saves from Menjivar. Those attacks helped Argentina gain rhythm, pinning Honduras back and laying the platform for the penalty incident and the dominant chance numbers that followed.

Argentina’s second goal against Honduras came on 54 minutes, again involving Martinez and Simeone. Martinez drove into the area down the left and cut the ball back. Simeone reacted quickly, rearranged feet inside the box, and drilled a low finish past Menjivar. With a two-goal cushion secured, Scaloni introduced several substitutes, though Messi was not used.

Honduras rarely threatened Argentina, despite occasional forays forward, and could not find a way past a compact back line. Musso finished the game without a save to make, yet Argentina’s staff will be aware that stronger opponents, including group rivals, are likely to provide sterner attacking tests during the next month.

This victory gives Argentina further confidence heading towards the World Cup, showing reliable structure without Messi and sharp contributions from Martinez and Simeone. With one friendly remaining and Messi expected back, Scaloni has additional evidence that Argentina can create and control matches while rotating personnel in key positions.