Argentina Secures Big Win Over Zambia: Lionel Messi Shines Before World Cup 2026

KOMPAS.com - The Argentina national team secured a big win over Zambia in an international friendly match, with Lionel Messi standing out.

The match took place at La Bombonera Stadium on April 1, 2026, resulting in a 5-0 win for Argentina.

The five goals for Argentina were scored by Julian Alvarez in the 4th minute, Lionel Messi in the 43rd minute, Nicolas Otamendi in the 50th minute with a penalty kick, a own goal by Zambia's Dominic Chanda in the 68th minute, and Valentin Barco in the 90+4 minute.

This match was Argentina's final preparation before heading to the 2026 World Cup.

Under coach Lionel Scaloni's guidance, Argentina played aggressively throughout the match and maintained control over the game.

Lionel Messi played a crucial role in the match, having previously been a substitute in the team's previous match against Mauritania.

Argentina took the lead early on in the 4th minute after Messi created a scoring opportunity for Julian Alvarez with a pass from the left side of the penalty box.

Alvarez then finished the chance with a crossbar shot to the bottom right corner of the goal.

Messi then scored his second goal for Argentina in the 43rd minute after combining with Alexis Mac Allister.

He then scored from a tight angle, with the ball going past Zambia's goalkeeper, Willard Mwanza.

The score remained 2-0 at the end of the first half.

In the second half, Argentina continued to put pressure on Zambia, eventually scoring their third goal in the 50th minute after Thiago Almada was fouled in the penalty box.

Messi stepped aside and allowed Nicolas Otamendi to take the penalty kick, which he converted successfully.

Argentina's fourth goal came in the 68th minute when Dominic Chanda scored an own goal.

The ball was meant to be cleared, but Chanda's attempt resulted in the ball going into his own goal.

The final goal was scored by Valentin Barco in the 90+4 minute after a pass from Nico Gonzalez, securing a 5-0 win for Argentina.

Argentina: 19-Otamendi (Quarta 69'), 3-Tagliafico (Gonzalez 54'); 5-Paredes (Barco 54'), 24-Fernandez (Perrone 74')

Zambia: 16-Mwanza; 3-Chisala, 21-Chanda, 5-Sinkala, 13-Mwimandzi"