Messi and Suárez score in friendlies

Leo Messi came, saw and conquered against Nicaragua, scoring two goals in as many minutes in Argentina’s farewell game in front of their home fans before heading off to the Copa America. The first was a splendid jig through the visiting defence and a deft finish, and the second, just moments later, was on the rebound after Sergio Aguero’s initial shot. Having done more than enough to set the game on the right track, he sat out the second half Lautaro Martinez twice and Roberto Pereyra once topped off the rout, with Nicaragua getting some consolation from a late penalty in a game that ended 5-1.

Uruguay were also getting seen off by their fans in style, beating Panama 3-0, with Luis Suárez showing that he is well recovered from his knee surgery and scoring the second of those goals with a wonderful free kick in the 69th minute. Maximiliano Gomez had scored Uruguay’s first and Federico Valverde added the last.

It was Messi's fastest ever brace for his country, and also curiously similar to what happened against Eibar in the league this season...

Uruguay were also getting seen off by their fans in style, beating Panama 3-0, with Luis Suárez showing that he is well recovered from his knee surgery on May 9. Just five minutes after coming on as a substitute, he scored the second of those goals with a wonderful free kick in the 69th minute. Maximiliano Gomez had scored Uruguay’s first and Federico Valverde added the last.