Alejandro Garnacho starred for Argentina as they claimed a 3-0 victory over El Salvador on Saturday.
Lionel Messi was absent for the 2021 Copa America winners but they didn’t miss him as they cruised to a comfortable win at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Cristian Romero delivered an early breakthrough with a header from an Angel Di Maria corner kick.
Enzo Fernandez extended their lead from close range in the 42nd minute before Giovani Lo Celso crowned an excellent triumph with a third goal.
Garnacho wasn’t part of Lionel Scaloni’s starting XI but got his opportunity at the start of the second half when he replaced Nicolás González.
He didn’t do anything spectacular but it was an assured performance by the 19-year-old.
The young winger kept things simple and helped the Albiceleste control proceedings in the second half when they were already 2-0 ahead.
Garnacho had 37 touches with 90 percent pass accuracy. He also contributed two key passes and won three of his four ground duels.
The youngster was successful in three of his four dribble attempts but lost possession on four occasions.
Argentina will now play Costa Rica at the United Airlines Field at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Stats from Sofascore
