Lionel Messi was the star of the show, hitting a brace as Argentina beat Nicaragua 5-1 ahead of the 2019 Copa America.

Having ended his international absence in March’s shock loss to Venezuela, Messi grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and sparked his side into action by netting the opener in the 37th minute.

After dancing his way past three defenders for the opener, the Argentina captain doubled his tally and their lead moments later to put the hosts firmly in the ascendancy.

Nicaragua are ranked 129th in the world, and on this evidence will struggle during their maiden Copa America campaign in Brazil.