Argentina hosted Zambia on Tuesday, March 31, in the national team’s final home match before the 2026 World Cup. With Lionel Messi in inspired form, delivering a goal and an assist, the Albiceleste cruised to a dominant 5-0 victory at La Bombonera.
The Albiceleste wasted no time in breaking the deadlock, with Messi brilliantly controlling a long ball from Leandro Paredes in the fourth minute before teeing up Julian Alvarez to slot home the opener. Then, in the 43rd minute, a slick one-two with Alexis Mac Allister left Messi with a simple finish across goal to double the lead.
Argentina showed no signs of letting up after the break, with Nicolas Otamendi converting from the penalty spot in the 50th minute in what was his final appearance on home soil in an Argentina shirt. An own goal from Dominic Chanda in the 68th minute and a late strike from Valentin Barco wrapped up a thoroughly convincing victory, one that went a long way toward erasing the bitter taste left by the narrow win over Mauritania.
Beyond the result, Messi continued to add to his extraordinary legacy with the national team. His goal against Zambia extended his record to 40 different national teams scored against, the most by any player in Argentina’s history.
With the home farewell now complete, Argentina’s next fixture will serve as their final tuneup before the 2026 World Cup gets underway. The federation has confirmed an international friendly against Serbia to be played between June 1 and 9 in the United States, ahead of their tournament opener against Algeria on the 16th, one last test for Messi and company before the title defense begins.