Fans eager to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi and the Albiceleste in action have several options to follow the international friendly between Argentina and Zambia live. The match, a key tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is set to take place at the iconic Estadio Alberto J. Armando – La Bombonera – in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Where to Watch Argentina vs. Zambia Live
Argentine viewers can tune in to Telefé to watch the match live. The broadcast will be available on Channel 10 via Cablevisión (Digital) and 1001 (HD), Channel 10 on Telecentro (Digital), and Channel 123 on DirecTV (Digital) and 1123 (HD).
Argentina vs. Zambia: Kick-Off Times Around the World
Here’s a breakdown of the kick-off time for fans across different regions:
- 20:30: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay
- 19:30: Bolivia, Venezuela, United States (Eastern Time – EST)
- 18:30: Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, United States (Central Time – CST)
- 17:30: United States (Mountain Time – MST), Mexico
- 16:30: United States (Pacific Time – PST)
A Night for Messi and a Dominant Display
The match at La Bombonera proved to be a resounding success for Argentina, as they secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Zambia. The game was particularly poignant as it potentially marked Lionel Messi’s final appearance for the national team on Argentinian soil. Messi, who started the match, assisted Julián Álvarez for the opening goal in the fourth minute, and later added a goal of his own before halftime, bringing his international tally to 116 goals.
Nicolás Otamendi also had a memorable night, scoring a penalty in what was his farewell match for Argentina, announcing his retirement from the national team after the World Cup. An own goal by Dominic Chanda and a late strike from Valentín Barco completed the rout for the home side. Argentina had previously defeated Mauritania 2-1 in another friendly leading up to the World Cup, demonstrating strong form as they prepare for the tournament in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Goals Galore at La Bombonera
The scoring began early with Julián Álvarez finding the net just four minutes into the game, assisted by a clever pass from Messi. Messi then doubled Argentina’s lead in the 43rd minute with a well-placed shot after a neat one-two with Alexis Mac Allister. Otamendi’s penalty conversion added another layer to the celebration of his final international appearance on home turf.
The second half saw Zambia’s Dominic Chanda inadvertently score an own goal in the 68th minute, further extending Argentina’s advantage. The final goal came in the third minute of added time, with Valentín Barco’s shot deflecting off a defender and into the net, sealing a comprehensive 5-0 win.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 World Cup
This friendly double-header against Mauritania and Zambia served as crucial preparation for Argentina as they gear up to defend their title at the 2026 World Cup. The team appears to be in excellent form, and the victory at La Bombonera will undoubtedly boost morale and confidence. The match also provided an opportunity for coach Lionel Scaloni to assess his squad and fine-tune his tactics ahead of the tournament.
The atmosphere at La Bombonera was electric, with fans turning out in force to support their national team and potentially bid farewell to Lionel Messi in his home country. The dominant performance and the emotional send-off for Otamendi made for a memorable night for Argentinian football fans.
Key Takeaways
- Argentina secured a convincing 5-0 victory over Zambia at La Bombonera.
- Lionel Messi scored and assisted, potentially playing his final home game for Argentina.
- Nicolás Otamendi marked his farewell match with a goal from the penalty spot.
- The match served as vital preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina will now turn their attention to finalizing their squad and continuing their preparations for the World Cup. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and developments through official team channels and reputable sports news outlets. The next confirmed checkpoint for the Argentinian national team will be the announcement of the final World Cup roster, expected in the coming weeks.
What did you believe of Argentina’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
