BUENOS AIRES (Interstat) — Lionel Messi had one goal and two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 on Tuesday in global football. Nicolas Paz Martinez scored in the 61st minute. Nicolas Otamendi opened scoring in the 48th and received a yellow card in the 44th before being substituted in the 52nd. Benin’s Tijani M. was booked in the 55th. Argentina improved to 2-0 in the competition and 2-0 across all competitions. Benin fell to 0-1 in the competition and 0-1 across all competitions. Argentina previously routed Burkina Faso 7-0. Paz Martinez contributed in 30 minutes of action, while Otamendi played 52 minutes. Messi played the full 90 minutes. The home side controlled the match and secured the shutout. Benin generated little offense and could not find a response after the break. Benin made several second-half substitutions. Benin did not score in the match.