Argentina's national football team thrashed Burkina Faso 7-0 in a friendly match on a day marked by logistical challenges for the West African side. Burkina Faso arrived in Argentina just five hours before kick-off due to a technical issue with their chartered flight from Morocco. The team was forced to travel 11 hours to reach their destination, leading to some key players declining to participate. As a result, Burkina Faso fielded a team mostly composed of young and inexperienced players.
The match was a one-sided affair, with Argentina dominating from the start. Lautaro Martínez, Gianluca Prestianni, Nico Paz, Julián Álvarez, Franco Mastantuono, and Giuliano Simeone all scored goals for Argentina, while Moumoune Diallo scored a consolation goal for Burkina Faso. Despite the scoreline, Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, praised Burkina Faso for persevering and making it to the match. Scaloni highlighted the efforts of the Burkinabé football federation and government in finding a solution to the travel issues.
Scaloni expressed admiration for Burkina Faso's determination, stating that their actions would raise the profile of African football. He also thanked the Burkinabé football federation and government for their hard work in resolving the travel issues. FIFA's head of match organisation, Jairo Pachon, also commended the Burkinabé football federation and government for their efforts in ensuring the team's participation.
The match was a warm-up for Argentina's more significant event: Lionel Messi's farewell game against Benin on Tuesday. Messi, who has announced his retirement from international football, will be playing his last match for Argentina after 21 years of service. The 39-year-old has had an illustrious career with Argentina, leading the team to the 2022 World Cup title and setting records for most appearances and goals scored.
Messi's achievements with Argentina are unparalleled, with 207 appearances and 125 goals to his name. Scaloni expects Messi's farewell game to be an emotional occasion, stating that it will be a special day for Messi, his teammates, and the fans. He hopes that a large crowd will attend the match to pay tribute to the legendary player.
Scaloni is optimistic that the stadium will be packed for Messi's farewell game, with all five sections of the Monumental stadium expected to be filled. The match against Benin will mark the end of an era for Argentine football, with Messi's retirement leaving a significant void.
As Argentina celebrated their 7-0 win, attention turned to Messi's farewell game, which promises to be an emotional and memorable occasion. The match will be a fitting tribute to a player who has given his all to Argentine football, and fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to bid farewell to a legend.
Key points
- Lionel Messi will play his last match for Argentina against Benin on Tuesday.
- Argentina thrashed Burkina Faso 7-0 in a friendly match ahead of Messi's farewell game.
- Messi has had an illustrious 21-year career with Argentina, setting records for most appearances and goals scored.
