Match expected to be Argentina captain’s last appearance for his country on home soil
Lionel Messi captained Argentina to a 5-0 win over Zambia on Tuesday, in their last match before this summer’s World Cup.
The game is expected to be Messi’s final appearance on home soil for Argentina as he could retire at the end of the World Cup. After coming off the bench in the previous match against Mauritania, the Inter Miami forward started and made an immediate impact, assisting Julian Alvarez in the fourth minute to open the scoring.
Messi then doubled Argentina’s lead before halftime, registering his 116th international goal and the 902nd of his career.
In the second half, Argentina were awarded a penalty, but Messi handed the opportunity to Nicolas Otamendi, who converted in what was also his final home appearance before retiring from international football.
“There is no greater satisfaction than wearing the national team jersey. I am very happy to have had this send-off at home,” Otamendi said after the game.
“It has been a long journey, one filled with many joys and some sorrows, for that is the nature of football. I leave with the feeling that I gave my all for the national team, always ready and willing to defend this jersey.
Argentina extended their lead through an own goal from Zambia and a strike by Valentin Barco to complete the 5-0 victory.
“We were eager to play in the Finalissima, but it was important nonetheless to come together these past few days,” said Cristian Romero.
