Daijiworld Media Network - Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Apr 1: Captain Lionel Messi led Argentina national football team to a dominant 5-0 victory over Zambia national football team in an emotional farewell match at La Bombonera ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The match marked what is expected to be Messi’s final appearance for Argentina on home soil. He made an immediate impact, assisting Julian Alvarez for the opening goal in the fourth minute.

Messi then doubled the lead just before half-time, registering his 116th international goal and the 902nd of his illustrious career.

In the second half, Argentina were awarded a penalty, which Messi handed over to veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, who is set to retire from international football after the World Cup. Otamendi converted, marking a memorable farewell moment.

“There is no greater satisfaction than wearing the national team jersey. I am very happy to have had this send-off at home,” Otamendi said after the match.

Argentina extended their lead through an own goal by Zambia, followed by a strike from Valentin Barco to seal the comprehensive win.

Defender Cristian Romero said the team was eager to regroup after a less convincing performance in their previous outing against Mauritania.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni had earlier warned of possible changes to the World Cup squad if performances did not improve. After the win, he said the team had responded strongly, adding that the earlier result was an “accident.”

Argentina will now shift focus to defending their World Cup title, with the final squad set to be announced by May 30.