Lionel Messi returned to international play for the first time in nearly seven months as Argentina secured a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in a friendly match in Chicago, preparing for the upcoming Copa America. Messi, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury and missed Argentina’s March friendlies, entered the game as a 56th-minute substitute for Angel Di Maria at Soldier Field.

Di Maria, serving as captain in Messi’s absence, scored the decisive goal in the 40th minute, assisted by a superb pass from Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni emphasized the importance of preserving Messi’s fitness: “With Leo, there is no need to risk him. We want to take care of these players and allow them to arrive in their best possible conditions to the tournament.”

Argentina, the reigning world champions, will face Guatemala in another friendly in Maryland on Saturday before beginning their Copa America defense against Canada on June 21.