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Argentina vs Zambia Player Ratings

Argentina 5-0 Zambia Player Ratings: Thiago Almada 8.3/10 Assists Alvarez Opener as Argentina Crush Zambia 5-0 in Dominant Friendly Match

Mohit Tomar

Modified - Apr 01, 2026, 01:41 AM

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Summary

Argentina delivered a commanding 5-0 international friendly victory over Zambia at La Bombonera, with goals from Alvarez, Messi, Otamendi, an own goal from Chanda, and a late Barco strike completing a dominant and thoroughly convincing World Cup warm-up display.
Messi pulled the strings throughout with characteristic brilliance, while Almada's assist for the opener and intelligent link-up play underlined the depth of creative quality Scaloni has at his disposal as the tournament approaches.
Thiago Almada was the standout performer at 8.3/10, his assist and all-around creative contribution the foundation of an Argentina performance that answered every question raised by the Mauritania result and served notice of intent to the rest of the World Cup field.

Lionel Scaloni had wanted a reaction after the nervy win over Mauritania, and La Bombonera got exactly that. From the moment Alvarez swept home in the fourth minute, Messi and Almada were combining to carve Zambia open with breathtaking ease; it was clear this was going to be a very different evening from what had come before. Argentina were sharper, more purposeful, and more clinical in every department, and the home crowd sensed it from the very first whistle.

The greatest football player in history, Lionel Messi, was the architect of almost everything, gliding through players, slipping passes into dangerous areas, and eventually getting his name on the scoresheet himself with a trademark finish across Mwanza in the 43rd minute. Nicolas Otamendi converted a penalty early in the second half to make it three, before Chanda's unfortunate own goal and Barco's late strike completed a rout that never looked like stopping.

Almada was the quiet conductor throughout, linking play with intelligence and composure, providing the assist for the opener, and causing constant problems for a Zambia side that simply had no answer to Argentina's relentless attacking quality from first minute to last.

The result sends a clear message to every nation preparing for the summer. Argentina are not just defending champions, they are arriving at the 2026 World Cup in the kind of form and mood that should have every rival deeply concerned. Here are Sportsdunia's Argentina vs Zambia player ratings.

Key Takeaways

Almada was Argentina's most influential creative force, and his 8.3/10 rating was thoroughly deserved.
Messi's display was a timely reminder, if one was ever needed, of exactly what he brings to this Argentina side.
Argentina's ruthless efficiency in front of goal will send a genuine warning to every World Cup contender.

Argentina Player Ratings vs Zambia

Here are the Argentina player ratings for the Argentina vs Zambia fixture.

Player Name	Rating
Emiliano Martinez	6.3/10
Nahuel Molina	7.3/10
Cristian Romero	7.9/10
Nicolas Otamendi	8.2/10
Nicolas Tagliafico	6.8/10
Leandro Paredes	7.4/10
Enzo Fernandez	7.3/10
Alexis Mac Allister	7.4/10
Lionel Messi	8.2/10
Thiago Almada	8.3/10
Julian Alvarez	7.9/10

Argentina Player Ratings

Zambia Player Ratings vs Argentina

Check out the Zambia player ratings vs Argentina.

Player Name	Rating
Willard Mwanza	6.0/10
Tinklar Sinkala	4.6/10
Dominic Chanda	4.8/10
Obino Chisala	6.3/10
Frederick Mwimanzi	5.5/10
Wilson Chisala	6.0/10
Given Kalusa	6.8/10
Albert Kangwanda	5.9/10
David Simukonda	5.7/10
Fashion Sakala	6.4/10
Kingstone Mutandwa	6.6/10

Zambia Player Ratings

Man of the Match

Thiago Almada was the man of the match.

Worst Performer

Tinkler Sinkala was the worst performer.