Tears Flow As Lionel Messi Plays His Last Game In Argentina, Video Goes Viral

Last Updated:April 01, 2026, 09:33 IST

Lionel Messi cries before Argentina’s 5-0 victory over Zambia in likely final home match, emotional La Bombonera farewell before leading World Cup title defence.

Lionel Messi in tears ahead of Argentina’s friendly against Zambia (Picture credit: Screengrab from X)

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:

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.

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