By Milcah Tanimu

In an international friendly match held at the LA Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on March 26, 2024, Argentina showcased resilience and determination as they overcame Costa Rica 3-1.

Despite missing their injured captain Lionel Messi, the world champions demonstrated their prowess on the field, securing a well-deserved victory to conclude their two-match tour of the United States.

Costa Rica surprised Argentina by taking the lead in the 34th minute with a goal from Alvaro Zamora, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack. However, Argentina swiftly responded in the second half, with veteran Angel Di Maria scoring a spectacular equalizer with a stunning free-kick.

The momentum shifted in Argentina’s favor as they seized control of the game, with midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and forward Lautaro Martinez adding two more goals to secure the win. Mac Allister capitalized on a rebound after a corner kick, while Martinez sealed the victory with a skillful finish after receiving a well-placed through ball.

Despite a valiant effort from Costa Rica, Argentina’s quality ultimately prevailed, highlighting their depth and resilience even in the absence of key players.