Argentina secured a 5-0 victory over Zambia in a friendly match at La Bombonera on 31/3. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring in the 4th minute, followed by a goal from Lionel Messi in the 43rd minute. Nicolas Otamendi converted a penalty in the 50th minute, with an own goal by Chanda in the 68th minute, and Valentin Barco sealing the win in the 90+4th minute.

Coach Lionel Scaloni fielded a lineup largely mirroring the 2022 World Cup final against France. Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul missed the match, sidelined by a muscle injury and recent poor form shown in the 2-1 win against Mauritania.

Messi, retaining the captain's armband, shone in what could be his final home appearance for the Argentina national team. In the 4th minute, the Inter Miami superstar broke down the right wing, assisting Julian Alvarez for the opening goal.

Messi celebrates a goal during Argentina's 5-0 victory over Zambia at La Bombonera, Buenos Aires, Argentina on 31/3/2026. Photo: AP

In the 43rd minute, Messi played a one-two inside the box before firing a diagonal shot to double Argentina's lead. This marked his 116th goal for the national team and 902nd of his career. In the stands, fans rose to their feet, applauding and urging the 38-year-old superstar to continue playing in the 2026 World Cup.

Early in the second half, a foul on Thiago Almada in the penalty area earned a spot-kick. Messi did not take it; instead, he called Nicolas Otamendi, the 38-year-old defender set to retire from the national team after the 2026 World Cup, to step up from his own half. The former Manchester City center-back seized the opportunity to score in his final home game, striking a powerful shot into the left corner.

"There is no greater pride than wearing the national team jersey. I am very happy to say goodbye to the fans this way," Otamendi shared after the match.

In the remaining minutes, Argentina added two more goals, one from a Zambian own goal and another from 21-year-old defender Valentin Barco.

Before kickoff, coach Lionel Scaloni warned of major squad adjustments if the team's performance did not improve. The 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup must be finalized by 30/5. "It is important that what happened in the previous match does not repeat. Today showed that was just an anomaly, and when we play to our full potential, we still perform well," the 47-year-old coach said after the victory.

Rodrigo De Paul emphasized the role of key players like Messi and Otamendi, adding that the entire team always strives to follow a common direction: playing and contributing to Argentine football. The 31-year-old midfielder believes Argentina can only defend their title if they maintain cohesion. "With the World Cup just two months away, the best thing is for everyone to be united," he said. "When we win, the whole country wins, and when we lose, the players are responsible. But to succeed, we always need the support of the fans. Winning is difficult; defending the title successfully is even harder. If we want to achieve that, the whole country must stand together."

Hong Duy