Argentina labour to 2-0 win without Messi

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP):

Argentina struggled to create chances without Lionel Messi as they laboured to a 2-0 win over Indonesia in a friendly yesterday, with both goals coming from defensive-minded players.

Holding midfielder Leandro Paredes scored a long-range opener in the first half just as they grew frustrated at their inability to break down Indonesia, ranked 149th in the world. Tottenham defender Cristian Romero added the second soon after the break.

Messi, who scored in a 2-1 win over Australia in Beijing on Thursday, was allowed to return home early by coach Lionel Scaloni to rest. The 35-year-old Messi is expected to debut for Inter Miami in July after leaving Paris Saint-Germain for the MLS earlier this month.

With Messi having told Chinese media that he may not continue playing for the national team long enough to take part in the 2026 World Cup, Argentina may soon have to get used to the idea of being without the superstar, who led them to a third World Cup triumph in Qatar in December.

"In principle, Messi is still in the national team, and it is not worth talking about that topic anymore," Scaloni said. "We would like him to play forever, but at some point, he will leave, and it will be a sad day for everyone."

Argentina still dominated possession in their first-ever game against Indonesia. They struggled to break down the hosts, who were roared on by 60,000 fans - including the country's president, Joko Widodo.