Argentina defended their status as 2022 World Cup champions with a comfortable 2-0 win over Honduras, though star man Lionel Messi was absent from the squad.

    The 38-year-old has not featured since being substituted with “muscle fatigue” in his left hamstring while playing for Inter Miami on 24 May.

    Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had said Messi was “doing well” but opted against risking the six-time Ballon d’Or winner in the match played in Texas.

    Lautaro Martinez converted a penalty and Giuliano Simeone added a second as Scaloni’s side cruised to victory without their talisman.

    Argentina face Iceland on 9 June in their final warm-up before the tournament begins across Canada, Mexico and the United States on Thursday, 11 June.

    Portugal secured a 2-1 win over Chile, but the match was overshadowed by a mass scuffle just before half-time that resulted in the dismissal of both Rafael Leao and Chile’s Ivan Roman.

    Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes scored for Portugal, with Lucas Cepeda pulling one back for Chile in added time.

    Leao now faces the prospect of missing not only the friendly against Nigeria on Wednesday but potentially Portugal’s opening two World Cup group games against DR Congo and Uzbekistan if handed a three-match suspension.

    Cristiano Ronaldo, preparing for what would be a sixth World Cup appearance, featured for the first half of the contest against Chile.

    Germany beat World Cup co-hosts United States 2-1 in a compelling warm-up encounter, with Kai Havertz’s early goal cancelled out by a stunning Antonee Robinson volley before Leroy Sane struck the winner.

    Julian Nagelsmann described the contest as a “perfect test for us, both in terms of the weather and the opponent” as Germany extended their winning run to nine consecutive matches.

    US coach Mauricio Pochettino said “I’m happy with the performance of everyone” and felt his side were “unlucky” to lose, adding “We played one of the most important teams in the world. I think we need to be happy with that.”

    The United States open their World Cup campaign against Paraguay on 12 June, while Germany begin their tournament against Curacao on 14 June.

    Brazil edged past Egypt 2-1, with Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes opening the scoring before Mostafa Zico levelled for the Egyptians.

    Raphinha then set up Endrick to score the winner for Brazil, who were forced into an early defensive change when Wesley was taken off after just 17 minutes.

    Mohamed Salah, who had recovered from a “minor muscle injury” to feature for Liverpool late in the club season, came on at half-time for Egypt.

    Egypt coach Hossam Hassan confirmed that “Salah underwent a rehabilitation program with Liverpool and then with the national team, and he is now ready for matches.”

    Belgium rounded off their preparations with a dominant 5-0 thrashing of Tunisia, with goals from Leandro Trossard, Charles de Ketelaere, Kevin de Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin.

    Tunisia were reduced to ten men after the dismissal of Ismael Gharbi on 62 minutes, and Belgium boss Rudi Garcia brought Romelu Lukaku on shortly after to manage his return to fitness.

    Garcia, whose side lost 2-0 to Croatia in their previous fixture, said “It is a good preparation for the World Cup, we know this team can do great things” ahead of their opening game against Egypt on 15 June.

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    Rowan Clarke is a lifelong Arsenal fan and seasoned football reporter, covering news across the Premier League and Serie A. Rowan brings readers match analysis, transfer updates, and insider insights from the heart of European football.