It was a friendly encounter played in Buenos Aires, and the first chance to celebrate in front of their own supporters at a game since their triumph in Qatar at the end of last year. Manager Lionel Scaloni picked the same starting line-up as for the World Cup final and the players raised individual replicas of the famous golden trophy.

The goals were scored by Thiago Almada in the 78th minute and almost inevitably, Lionel Messi close to the end. He netted with a free-kick, his 800th career goal, and an earlier free-kick had come back off the post before Almada found the net.

Enzo played the first hour of the match before being replaced by Leandro Paredes.

Argentina now go on to play Curacao on Tuesday in Cordoba.