Argentina delivered a dominant performance to defeat visiting Burkina Faso 7–0 in a friendly match at the Estadio Mâs Monumental. Lionel Messi was absent from the squad as he prepares for his final international appearance in Argentina colors against Benin.
Lionel Scaloni’s side established total control early against an opponent comprised entirely of Under-23 players, following an administrative crisis that disrupted the travel plans of Burkina Faso’s senior squad to Buenos Aires.
Seven-Goal Showpiece at the Monumental
Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring in the third minute by converting the rebound after goalkeeper Razack Guira parried his initial penalty kick. Julian Álvarez forced the second goal when his shot deflected into the net off Moumouni Diallo for an own goal.
Gianluca Prestianni added the third goal, before Nico Paz and Álvarez struck in quick succession in the 34th and 35th minutes to send the world champions into the break with a 5–0 lead.
Franco Mastantuono netted his maiden senior international goal for Argentina in the 56th minute, before Giuliano Simeone completed the 7–0 victory with a stoppage-time header.
Scaloni introduced five substitutes at the start of the second half and replaced all remaining outfield starters by the 69th minute, while also handing Roma forward Santiago Castro his senior international debut.
Burkina Faso Senior Squad Absence Explained
Burkina Faso fielded an emergency squad composed of U23 players after several senior team members refused to travel due to disputes surrounding match contracts, financial compensation, and logistical arrangements, according to Spanish outlet AS.
Logistical complications further compounded the situation following flight disruptions from Morocco, resulting in the replacement squad arriving in Buenos Aires just six hours before kickoff after an 11-hour journey.
The makeshift lineup featured players predominantly drawn from domestic leagues with limited international experience, contributing to the stark disparity on the pitch from the opening whistle.
Messi Absence and Final Farewell Schedule
Messi did not feature against Burkina Faso and was similarly rested during Argentina’s previous 4–0 victory over Bolivia, having reached an agreement with Scaloni and AFA President Claudio Tapia to participate in only one fixture during the current international window.
The iconic captain will return to lead the team against Benin on Tuesday, October 6, at the Estadio Monumental, in a match designated as his official farewell appearance for the national team.
Messi announced his international retirement on August 31 following the 2026 FIFA World Cup final loss to Spain, subsequently accepting an invitation from the Argentine Football Association to play one final match before the home supporters.
