Argentina player ratings vs El Salvador: Angel Di Maria runs the show in Lionel Messi's absence as Albiceleste begin 2024 with a bang

Without Lionel Messi available, Argentina flourished in Philadelphia against El Salvador as they ran out comfortable 3-0 winners. Their superstar and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner missed the match due to a hamstring injury he sustained at the club level for Inter Miami playing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and it was up to Lionel Scaloni to show what his squad could do without their talisman Friday.

The world champions put the pressure on from the opening whistle, and they did not let up for 90 minutes. Argentina outclassed El Salvador nearly every aspect of the match; from possession in the center of the pitch to crafty build-up play in the final third, they were phenomenal.

Tottenham's Cristian Romero put them up 1-0 early on with a booming header from an Angel Di Maria corner, with Chelsea superstar Enzo Fernandez doubling their lead before the break after a scramble in the box. Early in the second period, Giovani Lo Celso added a third off a Lautaro Martinez assist - putting them in cruise control for the rest of the match.

Argentina looked like proper reigning world champions Friday evening ahead of a summer showcase at the 2024 Copa America.

GOAL rates Argentina's players from Lincoln Financial Field...