Argentina, the "Pampas Eagles," defeated Zambia 5-0 in a friendly match, thanks to goals from Alvarez, Messi, Otamendi, and Balentin Barco. Scaloni stated that it would be an honor for Messi to participate in the 2026 World Cup, and that he would continue to support the star player.

In the match against Zambia, Messi's cross from the penalty area touched Thiago Almada in the 4th minute, and Alvarez then slotted the ball home to give Argentina a 1-0 lead. In the 43rd minute, McAllister's diagonal pass found Messi, who fired a shot into the net to extend Argentina's lead to 2-0.

In the 48th minute of the second half, Thiago Almada was fouled by Conwanda while dribbling forward, resulting in a penalty for Argentina. Otamendi converted the penalty, making it 3-0 for Argentina. In the 68th minute, Zambian defender Dominic Chanda inadvertently kicked the ball into his own net while attempting a block, extending Argentina's lead to 4-0.

In the final stages, Messi chipped a pass into the penalty area, where Valentin Barco received a back pass from Nicolás González and slotted the ball home with a low shot. Ultimately, Argentina secured a resounding 5-0 victory over Zambia at home, successfully continuing their winning streak to build momentum for the World Cup.

Argentina coach Scaloni said, "The most important thing is that what happened a few days ago did not happen again. I think this game proved that it was just an accident. The team performed very well through overall cooperation. Once you put on this jersey, you can't relax. Players can play well or not, but there are some things that absolutely cannot happen, and the team understands this. That's the most important thing."

“Players must always realize that every national team match is crucial, and I think they all understand that. In the world of football, we know that the strongest team doesn’t always win, but the key is how to execute the game. Our demands are always the highest, and the players have responded accordingly.”

We hope the players will return to the national team in top form.

Speaking about Argentine striker Lionel Messi, Scaloni said, "It would be an honor for Messi to participate in the World Cup. We all hope he can enjoy it, and we will do everything we can to make him feel comfortable."

"His thoughts are the same as ours. He is more at ease now because he has already won the World Cup, and he still longs to participate and share the experience. As for the final decision, we will wait and see and fully support him."

Scaloni continued, "Everyone has a chance to be a starter. We don't call up players just to make up the numbers. The team always needs to maintain balance. The team continuously strengthens itself through possession, and we have always emphasized this. It is also related to the level of understanding between players, which are things we have proven."

“Many players face important matches at the end of the season, and we hope they can all come to the national team in top form. We must be prepared because the challenges ahead will be very tough. We have already shown a high level of football, and hopefully we can continue to do so.”

In addition, Scaloni emphasized, "This will be a very complex and difficult World Cup, and we need everyone to come in top form so that we can compete with any opponent."

Image source: Internet