friendly
11:30 p.mMarch 31, 2026
International friendly
Argentina
zambia
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0.00
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
Passing by
134 (94%)
Accurate passes
37 (90%)
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trainer
Lionel Sebastian Scaloni
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Argentina dominates Zambia 5-0 in a great friendly, with Julián Álvarez and Lionel Messi leading the way.
Argentina showcased their formidable attacking prowess with an emphatic 5-0 win over Zambia in a friendly on March 31, 2026. The World Champions delivered a dominant performance, leaving the Chipolopolo with plenty to think about. Julián Alvarez set the tone early with a quick goal.
For Argentina, this friendly served as vital preparation, probably before the next qualifiers or a big tournament. Zambia, known as the Chipolopolo, tried to test themselves against elite opposition. These matches provide valuable experience, despite the difficult match.
The Albicelestes wasted no time asserting their authority. In the 4th minute, Julián Alvarez opened the scoring, latching on to a precise pass from Thiago Almada. His clinical finish immediately put Argentina in control. Zambia struggled to get a foothold, facing relentless pressure.
Argentina continued to dictate the game, controlling possession in their usual style. The ever-present Lionel Messi extended their lead shortly before the break. He converted an opportunity in the 43rd minute, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, to secure a comfortable lead at the break.
Argentina went into the break with a comfortable two-goal cushion, having largely dominated the proceedings. The second half promised more of the same, with Zambia needing a major tactical change to alter the momentum of the match.
The second half started with another Argentinian goal, further consolidating their dominance. The defender Nicolás Otamendi converted a penalty in the 50th minute after an infringement in the area. This extended the score to three goals. Coach Lionel Scaloni introduced a number of substitutions to try out new combinations.
The changes for Argentina meant the departure of Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolás Tagliafico and Leandro Paredes, making way for new legs. Zambia also made changes, bringing on Kingstone Mutandwa, Given Kalusa and Fashion Sakala in the 60th and 61st minutes. However, these changes did little to stem the Argentine tide.
Misfortune struck Zambia in the 68th minute when D. Chanda was unlucky in his own goal, deflecting a cross in front of his keeper. Argentina continued to rotate their squad extensively, with Otamendi, Álvarez, Almada, Enzo Fernández and Emiliano Martínez making way. The young talents gained valuable international experience.
As the game wound down, Argentina found a fifth goal in stoppage time. Valentín Barco, who came on as a substitute, scored in the 90th+4th minute. His goal, assisted by Nicolás Gonzalez, put the finishing touches on an overall victory. Zambia’s O. Tembo was shown a late yellow card for a tackle.
Argentina completely dominated possession with 75%, dictating the tempo throughout the game. They completed an impressive 134 accurate passes, highlighting their control of midfield. Despite recording a low total shots stat, his clinical finishing and Zambia’s woes led to a five-goal haul. Zambia struggled to create, only getting one shot blocked.
This impressive 5-0 victory reinforces Argentina’s status as a top international team. For Zambia, it provided a tough but valuable lesson against world-class opposition. Both teams will now look to their next matches with different conclusions from this encounter.
