Argentina vs Zambia LIVE: Messi confirmed in starting XI! 2026 international friendly

Lionel Messi and Argentina bid farewell to their home fans before the 2026 FIFA World Cup in an international friendly against Zambia. Stay with us on Bolavip for live updates and minute-by-minute coverage.

Updated on March 31, 2026 07:00PM EDT

**© Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images**Lionel Messi of Argentina at Estadio Alberto J. Armando

Lionel Messi and Argentina take on a weaker side in Zambia in their final international friendly at home. Argentina will have no margin for error as they play at “La Bombonera”. On Bolavip, we’ll bring you every update live as it happens, along with key tactical breakdowns and crucial details of the action.

[Watch Argentina vs Zambia live in the USA on Fubo]

Argentina left a sour taste in their fans’ mouths after their latest showing against Mauritania. The “Albiceleste” did win, but the 2–1 final score felt too close considering the massive gap in FIFA rankings between the two countries. Now, Argentina must right their wrongs against Zambia.

Messi is expected to play from the start as Argentina bids farewell to their home fans at Estadio Alberto J. Armando in the “La Boca” neighborhood in Buenos Aires. As for Zambia, they vie to put the world on notice as they take on the reigning FIFA World Cup champions on the road.

07:00PM

Messi looks to add to goals total

Messi recently surpassed the 900-goal mark and is showing no signs of slowing down. As it stands he has 901 goals in his career. After a quiet outing against Mauritania, Messi vies to make a bigger impact against Zambia.

Out of his 901 goals, Messi has scored 115 of them with Argentina (in 196 appearances), via Messi.com.

06:45PM

Argentina's record against African national teams

Argentina have faced African teams 25 times and boast a very favorable record against sides from the Cradle of Humankind.

Argentina have won 19 times against African opponents, drawn twice, and lost four times. However, this will be the first time Argentina go up against "the Real Africa", Zambia.

06:35PM

Tonight's referees!

Alexis Herrera, from Venezuela, will be tasked with officiating the action between Argentina and Zambia. Fellow countrymen Lubim Torralba and Alberto Ponte will serve as his assistants. Lastly, Argentinian Leandro Rey Hilfer will be the fourth official.

This means that if anything happens to Herrera, Argentina's national team will be officiated by a fellow Argentinian. There will be no VAR in this international friendly.

06:25PM

Why are Argentina playing at La Bombonera?

Due to AC/DC's show at Estadio Mas Monumental, Argentina's national team had to change its home address for the international friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia. Instead, Argentina will play at La Bombonera.

According to ESPN, Argentina have played 37 times in this stadium, having won 26 times, drawn another 8, and lost in the remaining 3.

The last time Argentina lost at La Bombonera was against Uruguay (2-0) in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers in November 2023.

06:10PM

Argentina's lineup against Zambia

After coming off the bench against Mauritania, Lionel Messi will start against Zambia.

Argentina will play with their traditional 4-3-3 scheme and these will be the starters: Emiliano Martinez (GK); Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada.

05:50PM

Kickoff time and how to watch

Kickoff between Argentina and Zambia is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET (8:30 pm local time).

Watch Argentina take on Zambia live in the USA on Fubo. Other broadcast and streaming options include beIN Sports, Fanatiz, and ViX.

05:30PM

Lionel Messi's Argentina host Zambia in last international friendly of March's window

Welcome to Bolavip's live blog of Argentina's international friendly against Zambia. This will be Messi's last game in his home country before the 2026 World Cup. Needless to say, he hopes to go out with a bang.

Stay with us and don't miss a single moment as we keep you covered with minute-by-minute updates of this showdown.

Federico O'donnell

Federico O’Donnell is a bilingual sports writer from Argentina, fluent in both Spanish and English. He joined Bolavip US in August 2024 and has since established himself as a skilled, versatile journalist covering a wide range of sports. Federico has written extensively about soccer and the NHL for various media outlets, including ExtraTimeTalk and Last Word on Hockey. His extensive knowledge of NHL, NCAAF, NCAAB, NFL, MLB, and soccer, combined with his passion for these sports, equips him to handle breaking news effectively and deliver insightful analysis.