Messi Leads Argentina to 5-0 Victory in Final Home World Cup Tune-Up

BUENOS AIRES — Lionel Messi captained Argentina to a resounding 5-0 win over Zambia on Tuesday night at La Bombonera, delivering an emotional farewell performance in the team’s last home match before they begin defense of their 2026 World Cup crown.

Making his first start of the March international window, Messi set the tone early, slipping a precise pass to Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez for the opening goal in the fourth minute. The 37-year-old doubled the advantage just before the break, curling home his 116th goal for the national side and the 902nd of his storied career.

The second half carried added sentiment. After Zambia conceded a penalty, Messi ceded the spot-kick to veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi, who is set to retire from international duty after the upcoming tournament. Otamendi converted calmly, sealing a memorable send-off in front of the home crowd.

“There is no greater satisfaction than wearing the national team jersey,” Otamendi said afterward. “I leave with the feeling that I gave my all.”

An own goal by Zambia in the 68th minute and a late strike from Valentín Barco completed the scoring, lifting the pressure that had mounted after last Friday’s sluggish 2-1 victory over Mauritania. Coach Lionel Scaloni had warned that another flat performance could prompt “drastic measures” ahead of the May 30 squad submission deadline.

“The important thing is that what happened the other day doesn’t happen again,” Scaloni said. “Today the team worked together and managed to play well.”

With the final home test passed, Argentina now turn their full attention to the Finalissima and, beyond that, the World Cup stage in North America.