Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Honduras in their final World Cup warm-up match before the tournament begins on June 11. Lautaro Martínez converted a 37th-minute penalty after Nicolás Tagliafico was fouled, with Giuliano Simeone doubling the lead early in the second half.

The match took place at raucous Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, with fans cheering loudly throughout. However, Lionel Messi remained on the bench as he recovers from muscle fatigue sustained during his last match with Inter Miami on May 25. Scaloni confirmed the 38-year-old star is improving but not fully match-fit.

Argentina now faces Iceland in their final friendly on June 9 before beginning Group J play against Algeria on June 16. Messi's recovery timeline remains crucial for their World Cup defense chances, with the team showing solid attacking options even without their talisman.