Argentina edge past Slovenia in final pre-World Cup friendly

Argentina have defeated Slovenia 2-0 at the Estadio Ciudad de la Plata to round off their pre-World Cup friendlies in winning style.

The hosts took just 12 minutes to make the breakthrough courtesy of Ricardo Alvarez, who jinked inside the box before striking a low shot into the corner of the net.

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Alvarez nearly doubled his and Argentina's goal tally before the interval, but Slovenia keeper Vid Belec produced a fine save to tip the ball onto the bar.

Belec was called into action once more when Ezequiel Lavezzi won the ball inside the visitors' box, before backheeling it to Alvarez whose effort was well kept out once more.

Lionel Messi did manage to a add a second for Argentina before the end, however, as he found the net having been picked out by Sergio Aguero's header on the 76-minute mark.

La Albiceleste get their World Cup campaign underway a week tomorrow when they face Bosnia and Herzegovina.