Argentina cruised to a 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso in a friendly that was overshadowed by difficulties surrounding the visitors’ journey to Buenos Aires.
Burkina Faso arrived in Argentina just five hours before kick-off after their private flight from Morocco was cancelled due to what officials described as a “technical failure.”
Match organisers said several of Burkina Faso’s senior players subsequently opted not to travel, citing fatigue. The development left the visitors with a largely young and inexperienced squad at Estadio Monumental after an 11-hour flight.
Lautaro Martinez, Gianluca Prestianni, Nico Paz, Julian Alvarez, Franco Mastantuono and Giuliano Simeone all found the net for Argentina, while Moumoune Diallo scored an own goal.
“What the Burkina Faso national team has done is truly commendable; it elevates football,” Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said.
“We try to respect them and are very grateful that they were able to come.”
In a press release by match organisers, FIFA match agent Jairo Pachon said: “We would like to emphasise the commitment and dedication of the Burkina Faso federation and government.
“Faced with an extraordinary situation, they worked to provide a solution that would allow their country’s representation to be maintained and give the footballers an important sporting opportunity.”
‘It will be an unforgettable day’ – Argentina prepare for Messi farewell
Argentina captain Lionel Messi was not involved against Burkina Faso as he prepares for Tuesday’s friendly against Benin, which is expected to mark the end of his 21-year international career.
Messi announced his retirement from international football in August following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. He had also previously indicated that he was considering his future in football following the death of his father, Jorge.
The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for the national team, making him Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
“I imagine Tuesday’s match will be very emotional for everyone, including Leo,” Scaloni said.
“It will be an unforgettable day. It will be his day, and his teammates’ day, who also gave him his greatest footballing joy. I’m grateful to be able to enjoy it.”
“I imagine that if there were five Monumental stadiums, they would be packed.”