Late Banega and Lanzini strikes help Argentina win without Messi

Soccer Football - International Friendly - Italy vs Argentina - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - March 23, 2018 Italy’s Lorenzo Insigne in action with Argentina’s Manuel Lanzini Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Late goals from Ever Banega and Manuel Lanzini helped an Argentina side deprived of talisman Lionel Messi edge past Italy 2-0 at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium on Friday.

With the Barcelona forward missing through a muscle problem, it was a game that saw plenty of profligate finishing in front of goal, with veteran goalkeepers Gianluigi Buffon and Willy Caballero excelling throughout.