Argentina wrapped up their domestic preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a commanding display. On Tuesday, the world champions put Zambia to the sword in a 5-0 friendly victory, a match heavy with emotion as the home crowd potentially bid farewell to Lionel Messi on home soil.

Lionel Scaloni’s side asserted their dominance from the first whistle. It took just three minutes for Julian Alvarez to break the deadlock, capitalising on a Thiago Almada delivery to expose the visitors' early defensive vulnerabilities.

While Zambia looked to find a foothold through set-pieces and quick transitions, the Argentina backline remained untroubled. Shortly before the interval, Messi doubled the advantage, producing a clinical finish from an acute angle following an incisive pass from Alexis Mac Allister.

The momentum continued after the restart as the hosts further asserted their authority. Nicolas Otamendi made it three from the penalty spot after the lively Almada was brought down in the area.

A defensive lapse from the visitors gifted Argentina a fourth, with Dominic Chanda inadvertently turning the ball into his own goal to compound Zambia's misery.

Despite a raft of substitutions, the Albiceleste maintained their intensity into stoppage time. Youngster Valentin Barco added the finishing touch to the 5-0 rout, slotting home after being teed up by Nico Gonzalez.

Messi pulled the strings until his late withdrawal, an exit that felt heavy with significance as the No. 10 potentially made his final appearance on Argentine soil. The clinical performance provides a significant boost ahead of the World Cup, showcasing a perfect blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent.

T. Almada

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