Messi’s gesture for Otamendi steals the show in Argentina’s 5-0 win | OneFootball

Argentina closed their 2026 World Cup preparations with a 5-0 win over Zambia at La Bombonera, yet Lionel Messi’s gesture towards Otamendi took the headlines.

According to Superdeporte, Messi may already have played his final match for the Albiceleste on home soil. The evening doubled as a tribute to Nicolás Otamendi, who played his last game in Argentina before travelling to the World Cup and, presumably, closing his international chapter.

With Argentina 2-0 up in the second half, a penalty was awarded after Thiago Almada was fouled in the box. Messi, captain and figurehead, pointed to Otamendi and handed him the ball to take it.

Otamendi converted from the spot to make it 3-0, sparking a raucous ovation.

The moment was widely read as a public salute to Otamendi’s service in defence, appreciated by team-mates, supporters and pundits alike, and as a show of the captain’s generosity.

Source: Superdeporte