Lionel Messi endured an emotional night in what could be his final appearance on home soil for Argentina, but still delivered when it mattered as they cruised to a 5-0 win over Zambia on Tuesday. The match marked the South Americans’ last outing at home before they begin the defence of their World Cup crown. Messi looked visibly moved in the build-up, with the occasion carrying extra weight amid uncertainty over his international future. Back in the starting XI for the clash, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner quickly settled into his rhythm. He found the net and also set up another goal, once again pulling the strings and ensuring Argentina signed off in style in front of their home fans.
The 38-year-old was at the heart of things early on, setting up Julian Alvarez for the opener before getting his own name on the scoresheet just before the interval, his 116th for Argentina. Messi brought down a floated pass with ease on the edge of the box and slipped a neat ball through for the Atlético Madrid forward, who finished confidently.
He then added a second of the night, linking up smartly with Alexis Mac Allister in a quick exchange before guiding a low shot past Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza. It was another landmark moment, taking his career tally to 902 goals.
Lionel Messi gifts penalty to Nicholas Otamendi
The Argentine captain had a chance to add to his tally when the side won a penalty after Albert Kangwanda brought down Thiago Almada in the box. Instead of taking it himself, Messi handed the responsibility to long-time teammate Nicolas Otamendi, and the experienced defender calmly converted from the spot to make it 3-0.
An own goal from Dominic Chanda in the 68th minute put Argentina 4-0 up, before rising star Valentin Barco completed the scoring in stoppage time to make it 5-0.
Tuesday’s game 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 are seeking to arrange another warm-up fixture before the tournament.
