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

The reigning World Cup and Copa America winners picked up a convincing 4-1 win over Guatemala 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.

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.

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."

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.