Argentina set up Messi farewell with Burkina Faso rout

Argentina will now turn their attention to Benin after a dominant friendly victory over Burkina Faso. The October 6 meeting will mark Lionel Messi’s farewell with the national team, giving the Albiceleste a major occasion to follow their latest result.

Lionel Scaloni’s side defeated Burkina Faso 7-0, taking control almost immediately. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring in the fourth minute, and an own goal from Mouminou Diallo doubled Argentina’s advantage four minutes later. Gianluca Prestianni then made it 3-0 in the 12th minute after receiving the ball from Martínez.

Nico Paz added a fourth in the 35th minute, with Julián Álvarez scoring again one minute later to leave Argentina five goals ahead at half-time. Burkina Faso improved after the interval and played with more aggression, but Argentina still extended the margin through Franco Mastantuono in the 57th minute. Giuliano Simeone completed the scoring in stoppage time.

The result gives Argentina a convincing finish to this friendly before the Benin fixture. Burkina Faso’s young team was overwhelmed during the opening period, while Argentina’s early pressure and finishing settled the contest before the break.