Friendlies
11:30 PMMarch 31, 2026
Friendly International
Argentina
Zambia
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0.00
Expected goals (xG)
0.00
Passing
134 (94%)
Accurate passes
37 (90%)
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Coach
Lionel Sebastián Scaloni
No standings data available for this league
Argentina dominates Zambia 5-0 in a commanding friendly display, with Julián Alvarez and Lionel Messi leading the charge.
Argentina showcased their formidable attacking prowess with a resounding 5-0 victory over Zambia in a friendly match on March 31, 2026. The World Champions delivered a dominant performance, leaving the Chipolopolo with much to ponder. Julián Alvarez set the tone early with a quick goal.
For Argentina, this friendly served as vital preparation, likely ahead of upcoming qualifiers or a major tournament. Zambia, known as the Chipolopolo, sought to test themselves against elite opposition. Such matches offer valuable experience, despite the challenging fixture.
The Albiceleste wasted no time asserting their authority. In the 4th minute, Julián Alvarez opened the scoring, latching onto a precise pass from Thiago Almada. His clinical finish immediately put Argentina in control. Zambia struggled to gain a foothold, facing relentless pressure.
Argentina continued to dictate play, controlling possession with their customary flair. Lionel Messi, ever-present, extended their lead just before halftime. He converted a chance in the 43rd minute, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, ensuring a comfortable lead at the break.
Argentina headed into the interval with a comfortable two-goal cushion, having largely dominated the proceedings. The second half promised more of the same, with Zambia needing a significant tactical shift to alter the game’s momentum.
The second half began with another Argentina goal, further cementing their dominance. Defender Nicolás Otamendi converted a penalty in the 50th minute after an infringement in the box. This extended the lead to three goals. Manager Lionel Scaloni then introduced a series of substitutions to test new combinations.
Changes for Argentina saw Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolás Tagliafico, and Leandro Paredes depart, making way for fresh 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 as D. Chanda scored an unfortunate own goal, deflecting a cross past his goalkeeper. Argentina continued to rotate their squad extensively, with Otamendi, Alvarez, Almada, Enzo Fernández, and Emiliano Martínez making way. Young talents gained valuable international experience.
As the match drew to a close, Argentina found a fifth goal in stoppage time. Valentín Barco, who came on as a substitute, netted in the 90+4 minute. His goal, assisted by Nicolás Gonzalez, put a final flourish on a comprehensive victory. Zambia’s O. Tembo received a yellow card late on for roughing.
Argentina utterly dominated possession with 75%, dictating the tempo throughout the match. They completed an impressive 134 accurate passes, highlighting their control of the midfield. Despite registering a low total shots statistic, their clinical finishing and Zambia’s misfortune led to the five-goal tally. Zambia struggled to create, managing only one blocked shot.
This commanding 5-0 win reinforces Argentina’s status as a top international side. For Zambia, it provided a harsh but valuable lesson against world-class opposition. Both teams will now look to their next fixtures with different takeaways from this encounter.