Lionel Messi combines emotion with impact in potential final home game, scores and gifts penalty to Otamendi in big win

Lionel Messi looked visibly moved in the build-up, with the occasion carrying extra weight amid uncertainty over his international future.

Updated on: Apr 1, 2026, 08:42:08 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

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.

Lionel Messi scored a goal and provided an assist. (REUTERS)

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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.