Argentina 4-0 Mexico: Lautaro's first half hat-trick inspires encouraging win

Argentina thrashed Mexico 4-0 thanks to a stellar performance from forward Lautaro Martinez.

Match report

Lautaro Martinez stole the show to lead Argentina to an impressive 4-0 win over Mexico in a friendly in Texas on Tuesday.

Martinez scored a stunning first-half hat-trick at the Alamodome as Lionel Scaloni's men ran riot in the opening 45 minutes.

Inter forward Martinez was the star, netting three times and also helping Argentina – without the suspended Lionel Messi – win a penalty that was converted by Leandro Paredes. 

Martinez came off at the break after putting Argentina in complete control as they saw out a comprehensive victory.

Match Events

0' The players are out and kick-off is drawing near

17' GOAL! Argentina 1-0 Mexico (Lautaro)

Argentina take the lead! After a sloppy pass from Araujo, Paredes collected in midfield before playing Martinez into the box and the latter finished across the keeper after finding a sliver of space! Bad mistake from Mexico, but decent goal from the Albiceleste! Argentina 1-0 Mexico

22' GOAL! Argentina 2-0 Mexico (Lautaro)

MARTINEZ MAKES IT TWO! On a quick counter-attack, the Argentinian surged forward and blocked a clearance by Araujo that bounced kindly into the path of Palacios who played it back to Martinez for the finish! 

Fantastic move from Argentina that was aided with a touch of luck! Argentina 2-0 Mexico

33' Penalty Goal! Argentina 3-0 Mexico (Paredes)

Paredes stepped up from the spot and struck his right-footed effort low and to the left! Ochoa did manage to get his right hand to the ball, but couldn't manage enough strength to keep it out! Argentina 3-0 Mexico

39' GOAL! Argentina 4-0 Mexico (Lautaro)

MARTINEZ HAS HIS HAT-TRICK! After some loose play in midfield, the ball was passed forward by Argentina to Martinez who lost it for a second, but a touch from Araujo took it back into the path of the Argentinian striker who finished between the legs of Ochoa!

 That's three errors at the back from Araujo that have directly led to all three goals from Martinez! Argentina 4-0 Mexico.

Line-ups

Argentina XI: M. Rojo, N. Tagliafico, E. Andrada, L. Paredes, M. Acuña, De Paul, E. Palacios, Lautaro Martínez, L. Martínez, G. Montiel, A. Mac Allister

Subs: A. Marchesín, F. Armani, R.Pereyra, M. Lanzini, Pezzella, L. Alario, P. Dybala, Correa, J. Figal, G. Rodríguez, F. Zaracho, N. Domínguez, L. Balerdi, A. Gaich

Mexico XI: G. Ochoa, H. Herrera, M. Layún, J. dos Santos, Jesús Corona, N. Araújo, R. Jiménez, C. Salcedo, H. Lozano, J. Gallardo, E. Álvarez

Subs: L. Montes, H. Moreno, J. Orozco, R. Cota, M. Fabián, F. Navarro, Javier Hernández, D. Reyes, H. González, O. Pineda, R. Alvarado, E. Vega, J. Sánchez, C. Rodríguez, C. Antuna