Argentina Dominates Zambia, Eases Doubts Ahead of World Cup Selection

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 31, 2026 11:35 PM ET

Argentina answered critics with a convincing win at La Bombonera. The team beat Zambia 5-0 and restored momentum before the World Cup.

Match overview

The game served as a response after a poor show versus Mauritania. The home crowd witnessed a clearer, collective performance.

Argentina controlled possession around 80 percent. The squad scored four goals and benefited from an own goal.

Lionel Scaloni fielded a side close to his projected World Cup lineup. Leandro Paredes started instead of Rodrigo de Paul.

Paredes dominated midfield. He organized play, distributed long passes, and helped in the opening buildup.

Lionel Messi captained the side and played the full match. He assisted Julián Álvarez and later found the net himself.

Messi also earned the penalty converted by Nicolás Otamendi. Otamendi will retire after the World Cup.

Emiliano Martínez made a key save early on. He then gave way to Juan Musso, who returned after nearly five years away from the national team.

Musso appears set as the third goalkeeper for the tournament. The defense remained solid throughout the night.

Valentín Barco saw minutes on the right and later on the left. He scored his first senior international goal.

Nicolás Paz and other substitutes gained playing time. Scaloni waited to ensure the win before testing changes.

The victory eased doubts surrounding the squad after the Mauritania match. Confidence returned to the group and staff.

Scaloni must submit his final list before May 30. The next camp in June will finalize the 26-player roster ahead of the tournament.

Argentina will open the World Cup against Algeria on June 16. The team will assemble in the United States shortly before the debut.

The Bombonera was nearly full and the mood was celebratory. Fans chanted and celebrated both Messi and the group effort.

Claudio Tapia attended from a box. He had faced boos in a prior friendly but stayed out of the field this time.

The win showed that Argentina dominated Zambia and eased internal doubts before final selection. Filmogaz.com will follow developments closely.