Argentina 7-0 Burkina Faso Player Ratings: Albiceleste Cruise in One-Sided Friendly Win Without Messi Before Benin Farewell

Argentina crushed Burkina Faso 7–0 in an international match at the Estadio Monumental marked by fluid attacking football and relentless pressure. Despite Burkina Faso arriving with an alternative, youthful lineup following severe travel delays, the reigning world champions left nothing to chance, suffocating their opponents with 75% possession and 30 total shots. This fixture served as Argentina's final run-out before Lionel Messi's much-anticipated, official farewell match scheduled against Benin.

The tone was set early when Argentina earned a penalty in just the 3rd minute. Lautaro Martinez stepped up; his initial spot-kick was brilliantly saved, but the captain reacted quickest to smash home the rebound and break the deadlock. Burkina Faso briefly held firm before a defensive lapse in the 8th minute resulted in an unfortunate own goal, doubling Argentina's advantage. The floodgates then opened as Gianluca Prestianni capped off a neat sequence with a composed finish in the 12th minute.

Argentina's midfield dominance orchestrated further damage before the break. Nico Paz added a brilliant fourth in the 35th minute, and just a minute later, Julian Alvarez got on the scoresheet with a clinical strike to make it 5–0 heading into halftime. Lionel Scaloni utilized his bench heavily in the second half, introducing fresh legs to maintain the tempo. Substitute Franco Mastantuono increased the tally in the 57th minute by curling home Argentina's sixth, before Giuliano Simeone sealed the 7–0 rout deep into stoppage time (90+3'). Burkina Faso fought hard and goalkeeper heroics prevented an even heavier defeat, but the visitors managed only a single shot on target all evening.

Though named in the broader squad setup, Lionel Messi did not feature in the match. Head coach Scaloni noted during his pre-match press conference that the choice was left entirely to the captain whether he wished to play. Ultimately, he did not play a single minute in the game.

Argentina National Football Team Player Ratings vs Burkina Faso

Learn the Argentina national football team player ratings from the Argentina vs Burkina Faso Player Ratings.

Burkina Faso National Football Team Player Ratings vs Argentina

Have a look at the Burkina Faso national football team player ratings from the Argentina vs Burkina Faso Player Ratings.

Man of the Match

Lautaro Martinez was adjudged Sportsdunia's man of the match in this international friendly.

Worst Performer

Moumouni Diallo was the worst performer in Argentina vs Burkina Faso.