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The
magic

and
mania

of
Messi

Wherever soccer star Lionel Messi goes, a scene is sure to follow.

By Yutao Chen and

Thomas Floyd

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With every Lionel Messi set piece came a wave of anticipation Friday night at Commanders Field. Thousands of fans rose from their feet, phones and cameras at the ready. A murmur crescendoed. Bulbs flashed.

For the 51,713 who attended Argentina’s 4-1 win over Guatemala — the World Cup champions’ final tuneup before Copa América — the friendly in Landover, Md.