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‘A gentleman’ - Lautaro Martinez hails Lionel Messi for wonderful gesture in Argentina’s win over Guatemala

World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL

Venezuela

Argentina

<p>The reigning World Cup and Copa America winners picked up a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/argentina-player-ratings-vs-guatemala-lionel-messi-lautaro-martinez/blt12909e660dbe8a7c" target="_blank">convincing 4-1 win over Guatemala</a> on Saturday in their final warm-up game before they begin their title defence campaign in the US next week. Martinez and Messi combined in three out of the four goals as they netted a brace each.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Messi had restored parity in the game after Guatemala took a surprise fourth-minute lead courtesy of Lisandro Martinez's own goal. In the 39th minute, Argentina won a penalty, however, instead of the Inter Miami star taking the spot-kick, he let Martinez do the honour. The Inter forward converted the penalty and handed his team the lead.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking to reporters, the 26-year-old thanked the Barcelona legend for his gesture as he said, "I looked at him, and he gave it to me. I thanked him, and I thank him publicly as well. It's a gesture from a GREAT, a gentleman both on and off the field. This is very important to me."</p>

WHAT LAUTARO MARTINEZ SAID

<p>La Albiceleste begin their Copa America 2024 journey on June 21 as they take on Canada in the tournament opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR ARGENTINA?

‘A gentleman’ - Lautaro Martinez hails Lionel Messi for wonderful gesture in Argentina’s win over Guatemala | Goal.com UK

Lautaro Martinez thanked Lionel Messi for allowing him to take a penalty in Argentina&apos;s win over Guatemala.