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Argentina player ratings vs Indonesia: Lionel Messi-less Argentina wasteful in labored friendly win

Argentina, without their star player Lionel Messi, struggled to secure a convincing victory against Indonesia in a friendly match. Despite dominating possession throughout the game, the world champions lacked efficiency in front of goal. Nonetheless, they managed to go into halftime with a 1-0 lead, courtesy of a spectacular long-range goal from Leandro Paredes.

Indonesia, currently ranked 149th in the FIFA world rankings, put up a fight. Just before halftime, Emiliano Martinez, Argentina's goalkeeper, made a crucial save to deny Ivar Jenner's close-range attempt at an equalizer. Martinez was tested again when Elkan Baggott's header forced him to make an exceptional save.

In the 55th minute, Argentina regained control as Cristian Romero rose above the defense to score a headed goal from Giovani Lo Celso's well-delivered corner. From that point on, Argentina comfortably maintained their lead, with occasional threats from Pratama Arhan's long throws causing minor concerns.

Despite the victory, Argentina's performance left much to be desired, especially in front of goal, where their wastefulness was evident in their inability to convert chances into more goals.

Goalkeeper & Defense Emiliano Martinez (7/10):

Martinez was not a mere spectator in the match. The Aston Villa goalkeeper made a decent save just before halftime and demonstrated his agility by denying Baggott's header. His performance was commendable.

Nahuel Molina (6/10):

Molina actively participated in the team's attacking moves, constantly offering support. Although he was beaten once, overall he provided a solid defensive presence.

Cristian Romero (7/10):

Even in a friendly match of minimal significance, Romero's passion for the physical aspect of the game was evident. He did not give any leeway to Indonesia's forwards and capped off his performance with a powerful headed goal.

German Pezzella (6/10):

Pezzella didn't have as much involvement as his defensive partner, but there were no major concerns regarding his performance.

Facundo Medina (6/10):

Medina had a relatively comfortable afternoon, perhaps one of the easiest in his career. He spent most of the game stationed in the Indonesia half before being substituted, contributing to a clean sheet.

Midfield Exequiel Palacios (6/10):

Palacios played a part in setting up Paredes' impressive opening goal. While he had a few good moments, he was the least involved among the starting midfielders.

Leandro Paredes (8/10):

Paredes had a strong start to the game and concluded the first half with a spectacular strike into the top corner that would have beaten any goalkeeper. He showcased his excellent passing skills throughout the match.

German Pezzella (6/10):

Pezzella didn't have as much involvement as his defensive partner, but there were no major concerns regarding his performance.

Facundo Medina (6/10):

Medina had a relatively comfortable afternoon, perhaps one of the easiest in his career. He spent most of the game stationed in the Indonesia half before being substituted, contributing to a clean sheet.

Midfield Exequiel Palacios (6/10):

Palacios played a part in setting up Paredes' impressive opening goal. While he had a few good moments, he was the least involved among the starting midfielders.

Leandro Paredes (8/10):

Paredes had a strong start to the game and concluded the first half with a spectacular strike into the top corner that would have beaten any goalkeeper. He showcased his excellent passing skills throughout the match.

Marcos Acuna (6/10):

Acuna was involved in the game after coming on, seeing plenty of action on the ball.

Lucas Ocampos (5/10):

Ocampos had a relatively quiet performance with not much to report.

Guido Rodriguez, Thiago Almada & Giovanni Simeone (N/A):

The trio had brief appearances, adding to their international caps in a five-minute cameo.

Lionel Scaloni (6/10):

Scaloni made some changes to his lineup, and the performances of Paredes and Lo Celso would have given him something to consider for future matches. The enthusiastic capacity crowd seemed to enjoy witnessing the World Cup champions in action.

Messi's Absence Exposed: Argentina Struggles Despite Laboured Friendly Win Against Indonesia