Angel Di Maria scored the only goal as Argentina began preparations for the defence of their Copa America title with a 1-0 friendly win over Ecuador in Chicago on Sunday.
Di Maria was named captain for the match while Lionel Messi sat on the bench, scoring his 31st international goal in the 40th minute of an entertaining contest at Soldier Field.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul showed patient play and delivered a powerful pass to well-positioned defender Cristian Romero on the edge of the area.
The Tottenham centre-back moved the ball superbly and provided a perfect reverse pass to Di Maria, and the experienced winger beat Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez to head the ball into the net.