Lionel Messi scored one goal and set up another as Argentina beat Zambia 5-0 on Tuesday in the South American country’s final game on home soil before launching the defense of its World Cup crown.
Messi, restored to the starting line-up by coach Lionel Scaloni after Argentina’s poor win over Mauritania last Friday, made an immediate impression in Tuesday’s friendly at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.
The 38-year-old superstar set up the opening goal for Julian Alvarez before scoring his 116th goal for Argentina with an individual strike just before half-time.
Tuesday’s match marked a World Cup send-off for the reigning world champions, who will face Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Group J of the finals in June.
Argentina will also play a friendly against Serbia in June and will try to arrange a warm-up match before the tournament.
AS IT HAPPENED | ARGENTINA VS ZAMBIA HIGHLIGHTS
Messi is clearly expected to captain Argentina in what will be a record sixth World Cup final as the South American giants target back-to-back titles.
The Inter Miami playmaker once again demonstrated his lasting influence on the Albiceleste with a typically decisive contribution to a comfortable win.
Alvarez put Argentina ahead after just four minutes when Messi effortlessly controlled a high pass on the edge of the penalty area and then stabbed a pass into the feet of the Atletico Madrid striker to score.
Messi doubled Argentina’s lead with the 902nd goal of his career two minutes before half-time. He worked a clever one-two with Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister before slotting a low finish past Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza.
Messi could have increased his goal tally just after half-time when Argentina were awarded a penalty after Albert Kangwanda’s foul on Thiago Almada.
But instead of taking the penalty himself, Messi handed the ball to veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, and the 38-year-old made no mistake from the spot to give them a 3-0 lead.
A Dominic Chanda own goal in the 68th minute gave Argentina a 4-0 lead, before rising star Valentin Barco completed the scoring in stoppage time to make it 5-0.
Published on April 1, 2026
