Argentina hosts Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires without Lionel Messi

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EDIT: The game finished with a 7:0 win for Argentina.

Argentina is set to host Burkina Faso at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, with Lionel Messi not in the squad for the game.

The match is part of Argentina’s current run of friendlies. The team already beat Bolivia 4-0 in its previous outing, and this is the second of three games in the window.

Lionel Scaloni’s side is using the fixture to look at other options in attack and midfield. Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Cristian Romero and Alexis Mac Allister are among the names in the group, while Burkina Faso is treating the game as a test against one of international soccer’s strongest national teams.

It is the first time Argentina and Burkina Faso have been scheduled to meet, and the news items make clear that Messi’s last Argentina appearance is being held for a later friendly against Benin.

Reporting

• ‘It was an honour, thank you’ – Neymar sends heartfelt message to ex-Barcelona teammate Lionel MessiYahoo Sports
• Argentina bids Messi farewell in final national team match, ending an eraAP News
• Messi set for emotional Argentina farewell in Buenos Aires friendly vs BeninKOIN.com
• Argentina score 7 past makeshift Burkina Faso after travel woesESPN
• Argentina impiadosa golea 7-0 a Burkina Faso; Mastantuno y Prestianni debutan como goleadoresAP News
• Argentina 7-0 Burkina Faso: Hosts put seven past African side after travel issues for visitorsBBC
• Argentina le mete 7 goles a Burkina Faso en el amistoso de la vergüenzaMARCA
• Argentina vs Burkina Faso: Friendlies stats & head-to-headBBC
• Argentina golea y respeta a sus rivales como la AFA no lo hace con los amistosos que programaLa Nación
• What Happened With Lionel Messi & Why He’s Not Playing for Argentina vs. Burkina FasoYahoo Sports
• How to Watch Argentina vs. Burkina Faso on TV, Live StreamSports Illustrated
• Argentina vs. Burkina Faso Lineups & Confirmed Team News- Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight?Yahoo Sports
• Why isn't Lionel Messi playing for Argentina against Burkina Faso?USA Today