Messi shines as Argentina cruises to 5-0 victory over Zambia in farewell match

Buenos Aires. Led by a stellar performance from captain Lionel Messi, Argentina secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Zambia. Argentina delivered an impressive display at their home ground, La Bombonera, on Tuesday night during their farewell match before heading out to defend their title in the 2026 World Cup.

Playing his final match on home soil, Messi provided an assist to Julian Alvarez in the fourth minute to give the team the lead. Towards the end of the first half, Messi scored himself to double Argentina's lead. This marked the 902nd goal of his career and his 116th in international football.

In the second half, Argentina was awarded a penalty. However, Messi handed the ball to veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi. Otamendi, who has announced his retirement after the World Cup, was given the opportunity to score in his farewell match. After the game, Otamendi remarked that wearing the national team jersey was his greatest satisfaction.

In the 68th minute, an own goal by a Zambian player and a subsequent goal by Valentin Barco sealed Argentina's 5-0 win. Having faced criticism for a lackluster performance against Mauritania in the previous match, Argentina signaled a return to form with this victory.

Coach Lionel Scaloni expressed satisfaction that the mistakes from the previous match were not repeated. He praised the team's collective effort and announced that the final 26-member squad for the World Cup would be unveiled by May 30.