Argentina Defeats Burkina Faso 7-0; Messi Prepares Final Match

Argentina recorded a dominant 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso on October 4, 2026, at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires in an international friendly match. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring from a penalty in the fourth minute, followed by an own goal from Moumoune Diallo. Gianluca Prestianni, Nico Paz, Julián Álvarez, Franco Mastantuono, and Giuliano Simeone completed the rout, with five goals coming in the first half.

Burkina Faso arrived in Buenos Aires significantly depleted, having experienced travel disruptions that stranded the team in Morocco due to a cancelled charter flight. Several key players declined to travel, citing fatigue and logistical frustrations. The team ultimately arrived just five hours before kickoff with a squad composed largely of youth players. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the circumstances but emphasized that his team treated the match with full respect for the opposition and the jersey.

The victory extended Argentina's unbeaten run following their 4-0 win over Bolivia on October 1. This result came just after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina finished as runners-up to Spain in July. The match served as part of Argentina's preparation heading into future international commitments, with several players making competitive debuts or scoring their first international goals.

Lionel Messi, Argentina's legendary captain, did not participate in either of the first two matches of the international window. He is scheduled to make his final appearance for Argentina on October 6 against Benin, marking the conclusion of his more than 20-year international career. Messi arrived in Argentina on October 3 and will train with the squad before the farewell match at the Monumental.