Argentina cruise to a 2-0 win over El Salvador in an international friendly without injured Lionel Messi

Federico Mancuello celebrates his second half goal against El Salvador with teammates Lavezzi and Lucas Orban

Washington, March 29 (IANS) Ever Banega and Federico Mancuello scored in Argentina's 2-0 win over El Salvador as Lionel Messi sidelined for his foot injury on Saturday's friendly.

Banega scored with a 54th minute shot that deflected off defender Nestor Renderos and beat goalkeeper Derby Carrillo. Mancuello sealed the win with a free-kick from a tight angle in the last few minutes of the match.

Argentina coach Gerardo Martino started Carlos Tevez for the first time since taking over the team last year. But the Juventus forward was ineffective in attack with Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria.

Messi stayed on the bench with a right foot bruise. The Barcelona star took a knock last Sunday in the Spanish La Liga El Clasico against Real Madrid and missed several training sessions this week with the national team. The tests on Tuesday revealed no serious injury for him.

Argentina will play their last warm-up match for Copa America against Ecuador on Tuesday.