Lionel Messi hits goal scoring milestone in emotional Argentina win

By Jaime Uribarri

Lionel Messi made his likely last-ever home game with Argentina one to remember on Tuesday.

Inter Miami CF ’s legendary No. 10 scored a spectacular goal as the reigning World Cup champions crushed Zambia, 5-0, in their final home appearance before defending their title at this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup .

– Wednesday, 1 April 2026

Thanks to his 43rd-minute give-and-go stunner, Messi has now scored against 40 different countries with Argentina , for 117 national team goals.

In total, he has 902 tallies for club and country, hitting the 900-goal milestone earlier this month in action with Miami.

– Wednesday, 1 April 2026

This latest achievement came on a special night for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Messi’s appearance at La Bombonera was likely his last with Argentina on home soil. The 38-year-old is expected to retire from the national team after the World Cup , although he’s yet to guarantee his presence at the competition this summer.

Emotions ran high as Messi delivered another vintage performance, scoring a trademark golazo and helping to set up Valentín Barco’s second-half stoppage-time strike that capped a bittersweet night for the GOAT.

Messi’s last home game with Argentina comes days before he’s set to play his first-ever game at Nu Stadium , Inter Miami’s new 26,700-seat soccer-specific venue.

The Herons will welcome Austin FC for Saturday’s historic game  (7:30 pm ET | Apple TV ).