Argentina U20 vs United States U20

USA U20 delivered a stunning 3-0 victory over Argentina U20 in a friendly at the Predio Deportivo Lionel Andrés Messi in Ezeiza, with none other than Lionel Messi himself watching from the stands alongside coach Lionel Scaloni and AFA president Claudio Tapia. Diego Placente's young Albiceleste dominated the first half with intense pressing and creative wing play, but U.S. goalkeeper Andrew Rick stood firm with a string of crucial saves. It was the visitors who struck first — Sal Olivas Jr. pounced on a defensive error to finish at the far post in the 43rd minute after a sharp low cross from David Vazquez. The floodgates opened after the break. Colton Swan anticipated a near-post cross from Dylan Borso to make it 2-0 in the 75th minute, before Bayern Munich youngster Bajung Darboe intercepted a loose ball and coolly slotted home the third with six minutes remaining. It was a chastening night for Argentina in what was Placente's first match in charge ahead of the 2027 cycle, while Rob Valentino's USA squad head into their next friendly against Independiente reserves brimming with confidence.