Lionel Messi watched from the sidelines as Argentina beat Honduras without him. Portugal survived a mass brawl and a red card to edge past Chile. Germany beat the hosts. Brazil scraped through. Belgium ran riot. The final dress rehearsals before the World Cup are done and the chaos was everywhere.
Argentina did not need their captain. Messi has not played since walking off with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring on May 24. Lionel Scaloni said he is doing well but chose not to risk him against Honduras in Texas. Lautaro Martinez scored a penalty. Giuliano Simeone added the second. A clean 2-0 win. Iceland awaits on June 9 for one final tune up before the real thing begins.
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Portugal had a much wilder night. Cristiano Ronaldo played the first half against Chile. Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes scored to put Portugal in control. Then a mass scuffle erupted just before the break. Rafael Leao was sent off alongside Chile’s Ivan Roman. Arms were thrown. Tempers exploded. Leao now faces a suspension. If it is one match, he misses the friendly against Nigeria. If it is three, he misses the opening World Cup games against DR Congo and Uzbekistan. A moment of madness could cost Portugal dearly. Lucas Cepeda grabbed a late consolation for Chile but it was not enough.
Germany edged the United States 2-1 in a game that felt like more than a friendly. Kai Havertz struck early. Antonee Robinson responded with a stunning volley. Leroy Sane won it for Julian Nagelsmann’s side. US coach Mauricio Pochettino said his team were unlucky and happy with the performance. Germany have now won nine games in a row. Curacao are up first for them on June 14. The US open against Paraguay on June 12.
Brazil beat Egypt 2-1. Bruno Guimaraes scored early. Mostafa Zico equalised. Raphinha set up Endrick for the winner. Mohamed Salah came on for the second half after recovering from a minor muscle issue. Egypt’s coach says he is ready. Their opener is against Belgium on June 15 and Belgium sent a message by destroying Tunisia 5-0. Trossard, De Ketelaere, De Bruyne, Lukebakio, and Raskin all scored. Tunisia had Ismael Gharbi sent off. Romelu Lukaku came on for the final twenty four minutes as Rudi Garcia manages his return. Belgium looked scary.
