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Argentina vs. Zambia live score, results, highlights from Lionel Messi's potential home farewell

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Argentina vs. Zambia live score, results, highlights from Lionel Messi's potential home farewell originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Lionel Messi's international career will be coming to a close sooner rather than later.

The Inter Miami standout's move to MLS has done little to blot his impact on the world's stage. He remains one of South America's finest talents, anchoring an Argentina side that aims to join Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962) as repeat World Cup champions.

Messi isn't getting any younger, though. He'll be 39 when the knockout round kicks off in the summer. For all of his footballing excellence, Messi -- like his idols before him -- can't outrun time.

Argentina's friendly against Zambia, then, can serve as a coronation for one of the country's greatest-ever artists. Messi retired from international play once before, stepping away from the sport after falling short in his quest for Copa America Centenario. That hiatus was short-lived; by 2018, he was back in La Albiceleste setup, persuaded following a nationwide campaign.

Messi hasn't made any formal announcement about his footballing future. Nevertheless, Lionel Scaloni's side's match with Chipolopolo -- held at La Bombanera -- should offer fans a chance to say goodbye.

The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Argentina's international friendly match against Zambia. Follow below for highlights, analysis and more from what could be Messi's last home game in Argentine colors.

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Argentina vs. Zambia live score

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Location: La Bombanera (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Referee: Alexis Herrera

Starting lineups:

Argentina (4-2-3-1, right to left): 23. Martinez — 26. Molina, 19. Otamendi,  13. Romero, 3. Tagliafico — 24. Fernandez, 5. Paredes — Mac Allister, Messi, Almada — Alvarez

Zambia (4-4-2, right to left): Chooma— Banda, Phiri, Kanda, Hamansenya — Siankombo, Bwembya, Chaiwa, Liteta — Banda, Daka

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Lionel Messi stats vs. Zambia

  • Shots: 1
  • Goals: 1
  • Assists: 1

Argentina vs. Zambia live updates, highlights from World Cup playoff

(All times Eastern)

50': GOAL!  Otamendi finds his target! Argentina is firmly in control of this one!

Argentina 3, Zambia 0

48': PENALTY! Thiago Almada slipped beyond his marker, pushing Zambian defender Obino Chisala to strike him down inside the box. Nicolas Otamendi will take the ball, looking to add another strike to Argentina's collection.

45': We're back to action from La Bombanera. Messi will look to add to his heroics before the end of the match.

Halftime: Argentina 2, Zambia 0

43': GOAL! Messi gets on the scoresheet, stroking a strike into the far corner after linking up with Mac Allister.

Argentina 2, Zambia 0

25': The Zambians showed some attacking flourish in the moments following Argentina's opener. But they've struggled to make much of a dent as of late, surrendering possession more often than not. Argentina is yet to encroach on Zambia's frame. But La Albiceleste look the likelier of the two teams to land on the scoresheet again.

13': Zambia is starting to build itself into this one. Patson Daka is a formidable presence in the center of Zambia's attack, known for his elusiveness and timing of his runs.

10': Things are going as planned for the Argentines, who have set up traps around the pitch in the hopes of coaxing turnovers out of the Zambian side.

4': GOAL! Argentina strikes first, with Messi finding Julian Alvarez with a deft pass. Leandro Paredes let the ball run beside him, opening up space for Alvarez to sweep the ball into the bottom right corner of the net. Impressive move from start to finish for La Albiceleste, who should see plenty of joy in this one.

Argentina 1, Zambia 0

1': And we're off! Argentina and Zambia dance across La Bombanera's gleaming meadow!

Kick off!

7:30 p.m.: Messi is on the field! Argentina and Zambia are lining up for the ceremonial national anthem. The diminutive playmaker looks stoic as plumes of blue and white swirl over the field. We'll be underway in the next few minutes.

7:00 p.m.: Messi hasn't yet commented on rumors of his international retirement. However, Argentines are certainly treating the matchup like a spectacle, with rappers trotting onto the glint green surface ahead of tonight's matchup.

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Where to watch Argentina vs. Zambia

Argentina vs. Zambia kick off time

Argentina and Zambia's international friendly match kicks off on Tuesday, March 31 at 8:15 p.m. ET local time in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Here's how that start time translates across some major international hubs.

DateKickoff timeUSA/CanadaTue, Mar. 317:15 p.m. ETUSA/CanadaTue, Mar. 314:15 p.m. PTUKWed., Apr. 11:15 a.m. BSTAustraliaWed, Apr. 110:15 a.m. AEDTIndiaWed, Apr. 13:45 a.m. IST

What channel is Argentina vs. Zambia on?

Here is how to watch the match in some of the world's major regions:

RegionTVStreamingUSAbeIN SportsFubo, Fanatiz, beIN Sports ConnectCanadabeIN Sports CanadaFubo Canada, beIN Sports Connect Canada, Fanatiz CanadaUK——Australia——India——

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