In what was likely his final home appearance for Argentina's national squad, Lionel Messi scored a goal and provided an assist in a 5-0 rout of Zambia on Tuesday night in a farewell friendly ahead of the World Cup. The 38-year-old Messi set up Julián Álvarez in the fourth minute and then scored in the 43rd at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires. ADVERTISEMENTThe crowd gave him a standing ovation and pleaded with him to help Argentina win another World Cup. The defending world champions raised some concern after their lackluster performance last Friday in a 2-1 victory over Mauritania. Argentina, which also won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986, will open against Algeria on June 16 in Group J, followed by games against Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27.

Source: The Telegraph April 01, 2026 16:04 UTC