Lionel Messi scores twice as Argentina continue Copa America preparations

Lionel Messi scored twice in two minutes, as Argentina swept aside Nicaragua in a 5-1 friendly win in San Juan.

The game is their only warm up game ahead of the Copa America tournament, which kicks off on June 14, and Messi's form will be ahuge boost for manager Lionel Scaloni ahead of the competition start.

Inter Milan's Laturo Martinez also scored a brace, alongside Roberto Pereyra of Watford, as La Albiceleste prepared for their group games against Colombia, Paraguay and Qatar in just over a week's time.

Scaloni and his players are under pressure to win the competition, ahead of hosts and favourites Brazil, after now major title win since the Copa America back in 1993.

Messi is one of three La Liga players included in the 23-man squad, alongside Villarreal's Ramiro Funes Mori and Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.

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