New Delhi: Brazil needed two late gols to win 301 against Croatia in a FIFA World Cup warm-up game while captain Lionel Messi was on target in Argentina’s
5-0 victory over Zambia in in an emotional farewell match in front of their home fans.
Brazil dominated possession early on and went ahead shortly before halftime when Matheus Cunha released Vinicius to drive past three defenders and set up Danilo for a composed first-time finish.
Croatia enjoyed more of the ball after in the seocnd half and equalised in the 84th minute when Lovro Majer slipped between defenders to steer Toni Fruk’s cross past an advancing Brazil goalkeeper Bento.
Stung by the equaliser, Brazil sparked into action and restored their lead four minutes later when Igor Thiago converted from the spot for his first international goal after Endrick was brought down into the box.
🚨💣 Deeply emotional scenes unfolding in Argentina 🇦🇷🥹
Lionel Messi is currently playing what is expected to be his LAST match with the national team on Argentine soil.
The final chapter at home for the greatest of all time before the 2026 World Cup. This one really hurts.… pic.twitter.com/yW8WaYYxyi
— Topskills Sports UK (@topskillsportuk) April 1, 2026
Substitute Martinelli then confirmed the win in stoppage time with a low left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
In Buenos Aires, emotional scenes unfolded at the La Bombonera Stadium as Messi played in what is expected to be his final match for Argentina on home soil.
He had appeared as a halftime substitute in a 2-1 win against Mauritania last Friday, and set up Julian Alvarez to score in the fourth minute for an early lead.
The Argentina talisman then scored his 116th international goal and the 902nd of his career just before halftime.
When Argentina were awarded a penalty, Messi let veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi score in what was his final home game as he is set to retire from the national team following the World Cup.
“There is no greater satisfaction than wearing the national team jersey. I am very happy to have had this send-off at home,” Otamendi said after the game.
“It has been a long journey, one filled with many joys and some sorrows, for that is the nature of football. I leave with the feeling that I gave my all for the national team, always ready and willing to defend this jersey,” he added.
Zambia scored an own goal in the 68th minute and Valentin Barco rounded off the scoring.
“We were eager to play in the Finalissima, but it was important nonetheless to come together these past few days,” defender Cristian Romero said.
