Argentina delivered a commanding performance to defeat Burkina Faso 7-0 in a friendly match that was significantly affected by severe travel issues experienced by the visiting African team. The game took place at Estadio Monumental, with Argentina showcasing a devastating display.
Match Details and Scorers
The hosts found the back of the net seven times, with goals coming from Lautaro Martinez, Gianluca Prestianni, Nico Paz, Julian Alvarez, Franco Mastantuono, and Giuliano Simeone. An own goal by Moumoune Diallo further contributed to Argentina’s tally. Chelsea’s Emiliano Martinez started in goal for Lionel Scaloni’s side, even wearing the captain’s armband for a period, and was described as a ‘virtual spectator’ during the first half as Argentina led 5-0 at the break. Fellow Chelsea player Valentin Barco came off the bench midway through the second half, providing a perfectly weighted far-post cross to assist Giuliano Simeone’s header for the seventh goal.
Towards the end of the match, Argentina also made a goalkeeping substitution, with Gerónimo Rulli replacing Emiliano MartÃnez. (See our related article: Man City ‘Eyeing’ Gerónimo Rulli Ahead of New Season).
Burkina Faso’s Travel Disruption
The friendly was overshadowed by considerable challenges faced by Burkina Faso. According to BBC Sport, the team arrived in Buenos Aires just five hours before kick-off after their private flight from Morocco was cancelled due to a ‘technical failure’. This logistical nightmare led several of Burkina Faso’s senior players to refuse to travel, citing fatigue, resulting in an inexperienced, young team taking to the field shortly after an 11-hour flight.
Argentina’s boss, Lionel Scaloni, commended the visitors, stating, "What the Burkina Faso national team has done is truly commendable; it elevates football. We try to respect them and are very grateful that they were able to come." Match organiser Jairo Pachon echoed this sentiment, praising the "commitment and dedication of the Burkina Faso federation and government" for providing a solution under "extraordinary situation".
Messi’s Impending International Retirement
Argentina’s talisman, Lionel Messi, did not feature in the match against Burkina Faso. He is reportedly preparing for Tuesday’s friendly against Benin, which is set to mark the formal conclusion of his distinguished 21-year international career. Messi had announced his retirement from Argentina duty in August, following his country’s defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final and after considering his future in football after the death of his father, Jorge.
The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, holds the records as his country’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 appearances and their most-capped player. Scaloni anticipates Tuesday’s farewell match will be "very emotional for everyone, including Leo," describing it as "an unforgettable day." Read more about the match on the Chelsea FC official site.