Angel Di Maria, Alexis Mac Allister, and Lautaro Martinez were the heroes for Argentina on Tuesday as they staged a comeback to defeat Costa Rica 3-1 in an international friendly held in Los Angeles.
Despite missing their injured captain Lionel Messi, the world champions concluded their two-match tour of the United States with a well-deserved win at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Under the guidance of Lionel Scaloni, Argentina, who secured a 3-0 victory over El Salvador in Philadelphia last Friday, asserted dominance in the first half, creating several promising opportunities.
However it was Costa Rica who took the lead on 34 minutes after a sweeping counter-attack.
Alvaro Zamora latched on to Manfred Ugalde’s pass and fired a low shot that was blocked by Argentina goalkeeper Walter Benitez.
Benitez’s save however fell invitingly into the path of Ugalde, who bundled home the rebound for 1-0.
Argentina got back on level terms early in the second half with a superb equaliser from veteran Di Maria on 52 minutes.
The 36-year-old Benfica winger hit a superb free-kick from just outside the area which flew into the top corner beyond the reach of Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
Argentina made it 2-1 four minutes later from another set-piece.
Nicolas Tagliafico headed against the bar after a corner and Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister reacted first to nod home the rebound from close range.
Inter Milan forward Martinez made the game safe in the 77th minute, latching on to a delightful through ball by Rodrigo De Paul before lifting a deft finish over Navas.
