Messi scores as Argentina thrash Zambia before World Cup | OneFootball

With Messi in the starting lineup, Argentina thrashed Zambia 5-0 this Tuesday at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires, in its final friendly on Argentine soil before the 2026 World Cup. Julian Álvarez, Messi, Otamendi, Chanda (own goal) and Barco found the net in the home side’s win.

The two Palmeiras players called up by Lionel Scaloni, striker Flaco López and right back Giay, were not used in Tuesday’s friendly.

With the win over Zambia, Argentina ended the March FIFA window with a perfect record, having also beaten Mauritania 2-1 last Friday. These were the Argentine national team’s final two friendlies before the final World Cup squad announcement, which is expected at the end of May.

📋 Match summary?🔵⚪ ARGENTINA 5 x 0 ZAMBIA 🟢🔴

🏆 Competition: International Friendly 🏟️ Venue: La Bombonera Stadium, Buenos Aires (Argentina) 📅 Date: March 31, 2026 (Tuesday) ⏰ Time: 8:30 p.m. (Brasília time)

GOALS

How did the match unfold?

Argentina opened the scoring after just three minutes. Messi received a long ball inside the box, controlled it and played it into the middle. Almada got a touch on it and the ball fell to Julian Álvarez, who struck first time and smashed it into the net.

In the 40th minute, the Argentines nearly scored a second. Messi slipped a pass through to Álvarez, who broke into the box and sent a low cross to the far post, but no one got on the end of it and the ball went all the way through and out for a goal kick.

It was in the 43rd minute that Argentina doubled its lead. Messi combined with Mac Allister and got the ball back inside the box. The No. 10 fired low and made it two for the home side.

Second half

Three minutes into the second half, Argentina was awarded a penalty after Almada was brought down inside the box. Otamendi stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, scoring Argentina’s third.

In the 22nd minute, the Argentines turned the win into a rout. Almada appeared on the right side of the box and crossed toward the midfielder. Zambia defender Chanda tried to clear it, but ended up putting it into his own net.

Deep into stoppage time, Argentina scored the fifth and completed the rout. Messi played a pass to Nico González, who miscontrolled it inside the box but still managed a fine backheel pass to Barco in the area. He only had to tap it into the back of the net.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.