Argentina struggled to create chances without Lionel Messi in the team as it laboured to a 2-0 win over Indonesia in a friendly on Monday, with both goals coming from defensive-minded players.
Holding midfielder Leandro Paredes scored a long-range opener in the first half just as the team was growing frustrated at its inability to break down a team ranked 149th in the world. Tottenham defender Cristian Romero added the second soon after the break.
Messi, who scored in a 2-1 win over Australia in Beijing on Thursday, was allowed to return home early by coach Lionel Scaloni in order to rest. The 35-year-old Messi is expected to make his debut for Inter Miami in July after leaving Paris Saint-Germain for the MLS club earlier this month.
