Argentina shine before Messi goodbye with 7-0 rout

Argentina produced a dominant display to thrash Burkina Faso 7-0 in an international friendly at the Estadio Monumental on Saturday local time, as Lionel Scaloni's side continued their preparations ahead of Lionel Messi's farewell appearance against Benin next week. 

The match was overshadowed by Burkina Faso's travel troubles. The African side arrived in Buenos Aires only hours before kick-off after their original charter flight from Morocco was cancelled.

Argentina took control from the outset. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the fourth minute after converting the rebound from a saved penalty before an own goal by Moumouni Diallo doubled the lead. Gianluca Prestianni, Nico Paz and Julian Alvarez struck as the world champions raced into a 5-0 halftime advantage. 

Substitute Franco Mastantuono netted his first senior international goal after the break before Giuliano Simeone completed the scoring in stoppage time.

Messi was rested for the match, with Argentina now turning their attention to their farewell fixture against Benin on Wednesday, 7 October at 5:00am Bangladesh time, when the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is expected to make his final appearance for the Albiceleste.