Star Argentine footballer Lionel Messi was seen in tears ahead of his team’s 5-0 win against Zambia in an international friendly at La Bombonera, in what is expected to be his final match at home ground
before a probable swansong at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Messi struggled to hold back his emotions ahead of Argentina’s clash against Zambia at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires, as fans created an emotional atmosphere for their beloved skipper.
Messi grew emotional while standing alongside his teammates before kickoff, taking in the chants, songs, and overwhelming love from the home crowd. A viral video from the stadium captured him wiping away tears during what could be his farewell appearance in front of his fans.
Watch the video here:
🚨💣 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
Messi, recalled to the starting XI by coach Lionel Scaloni after Argentina’s underwhelming victory over Mauritania last Friday, made an immediate impact in Tuesday’s friendly at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.
Messi set up the opening goal for Julian Alvarez before bagging his 116th goal for Argentina with an individual strike just before half-time.
Tuesday’s game served as a FIFA World Cup send-off for the reigning champions, who are all set to face Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Group J of the finals in June.
Argentina will play a friendly against Serbia in June as well and are seeking to arrange another warm-up game before the tournament.
Messi is expected to lead Argentina into what will be a record sixth FIFA World Cup finals as the South American giants target consecutive titles.
