FOOTBALL

Messi's goal and assist in Argentina's "firecracker", Brazil better than Croatia

Photo: AFA Argentina National Team/Facebook

The Argentine national football team convincingly defeated Zambia at the "Bombonjera" (5:0) as part of preparations for the upcoming World Cup.

The "Gauchos" took the lead in the fourth minute when Julián Alvarez scored the visiting team's goal after a pass from Leo Messi.

Two minutes before the mandatory break, the current world champion's advantage was doubled by Messi, for whom this was probably his last match in front of his home crowd.

In the 50th minute, Argentina was awarded a penalty, and Messi passed the ball to Nicolas Otamendi, who made no mistake. Apparently, this was also a farewell to the Argentine fans for the Benfica defender.

Kristal Palas Sar Crystal Palace Football Club FB

Rayo slipped through in Athens, Crystal Palace knocked out Fiorentina, Strasbourg outclassed Mainz

Partizan Baskonija KK Partizan FB

Red Star powerless in Madrid, Partizan triumphs in farewell to Euroleague

Dominik Kanda made it 4:0 with an own goal, and Valentin Barko set the final score in the fourth minute of stoppage time for his debut in the senior Argentina jersey.

Brazil defeated Croatia (3:1) in Orlando.

Dominik Livaković was saving the "fires", but he could do nothing in the second minute of stoppage time, when Danilo scored on an assist from Vinicius Junior.

Zlatko Dalić's team equalized in the 84th minute through Lovro Majer after a great pass from Toni Fruk, but also a poor assessment by goalkeeper Bent.

Just four minutes later, reserve player Igor Tijago restored the lead for the "Carioca" team from the penalty spot.

The final outcome was set up by another substitute, Gabriel Martinelli, from a counterattack in the second minute of stoppage time.

Portugal defeated the United States of America in Atlanta (2:0) without Cristiano Ronaldo.

The goals for Roberto Martinez's team were scored by Trinkao in the 37th minute after an attractive pass from Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix with a masterful volley after a corner from Fernandes in the 59th minute.

Comment on this topic.

Join the discussion or read the comments

Sports

Freiburg, Aston Villa, Braga and Nottingham in the Europa League semi-finals

Sports

16.04.2026.

Competition announced for the organization of the F4 tournament for juniors

Cadets defeated by Spain

Roland Garros prize fund increased by 10 percent

Silva leaves City after almost a decade