Argentina Face Zambia in International Friendly: Key Predictions, Lineups, and What to Expect

Argentina wraps up its revised March international schedule by hosting Zambia in Buenos Aires for the very first time.

The reigning world champions were originally scheduled to participate in the second edition of La Finalissima against Spain this month, but the match, set to be held in Qatar, was called off due to the conflict in Iran.

The cancellation without rescheduling or relocation left the Argentine Football Association (AFA) scrambling for alternatives. The best they could arrange were two friendlies against modest African opposition, though Lionel Scaloni's squad failed to truly impress against Mauritania on Thursday night.

They cruised after storming into a 2–0 advantage via goals from Enzo Fernández and Nico Paz, with the visitors netting a late consolation strike.

Argentine football is now gearing up for what could potentially be Lionel Messi's last appearance for the national side on home turf. Messi, who led the team to their historic triumph in Qatar, has yet to confirm his participation at this summer's World Cup, though that tournament would almost certainly mark his final chapter with La Albiceleste if he chooses to compete.

As such, the clash against Zambia — who have never played in Argentina and currently sit 91st in FIFA's world rankings — could carry significant emotional weight.

Argentina vs. Zambia Score Prediction

Messi Shines on Potential Farewell

Tuesday night is expected to revolve around Messi, even if the greatest player of all time decides to feature at this summer's World Cup, where Argentina will be looking to defend its title.

Scaloni's men were somewhat disappointing against clearly weaker opposition in their last outing, and they'll be eager to deliver a strong performance at La Bombonera against a Zambia side that must be delighted to have been handed such a rare opportunity.

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners have endured a difficult period since that triumph, failing to advance past the group stage in the three tournaments they've qualified for. Avram Grant's tenure ultimately fell short of expectations, and the team is now under the guidance of Moses Sichone.

Prediction: Argentina 4–0 Zambia

Argentina Predicted Lineup vs. Zambia

Scaloni called upon 19 players during the 2–1 victory over Mauritania, and significant squad rotation is expected again on Tuesday evening.

Messi came on as a substitute last time, playing the second half, but the legendary forward is set to return to Scaloni's starting eleven for what may be his last home appearance in an Argentina shirt. Julián Álvarez is expected to partner him up front, with Inter's Lautaro Martínez ruled out this month due to injury.

Giuliano Simeone merits another opportunity on the right flank, while Scaloni will likely be keen to assess left back Valentín Barco, who earned his call-up on the back of an impressive Ligue 1 campaign with Strasbourg.

It's a position where Argentina looks somewhat vulnerable heading into the World Cup, though Barco has the ability to establish himself as the first-choice option.

Argentina predicted lineup vs. Zambia (4-4-2): Martínez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Barco; Simeone, De Paul, Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, Alvarez.

Zambia Predicted Lineup vs. Argentina

Patson Daka, Pascal Phiri, and David Simukonda arrived with the Zambian squad slightly behind schedule, but all three have had sufficient time to prepare for Tuesday's fixture in Buenos Aires.

Daka is arguably the most well-known name in Sichone's squad, having featured in the Premier League with Leicester City. He is already Zambia's all-time top scorer, with an impressive record of 21 goals across 46 international appearances.

The Leicester forward could be partnered by Lecce's Lameck Banda, who collapsed on the field during a match against Napoli earlier this month but recovered quickly and returned to action the following week. Despite a stop-start season with injuries, he remains a dynamic attacking option capable of testing Argentina's backline on the counter.

Zambia are also expected to feature players currently competing for clubs such as Hibernian and Cagliari when they take the field in Buenos Aires.

Zambia predicted lineup vs. Argentina (4-4-2): Chooma; M. Banda, Phiri, Kanda, Hamansenya; Siankombo, Bwembya, Chaiwa, Liteta; Daka, L. Banda.

What Time Does Argentina vs. Zambia Kick Off?

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