Lionel Messi on target as Argentina ease past Zambia

Lionel Messi on Tuesday scored on what could be his last international on home soil as he steered Argentina to a 5-0 win over Zambia in Buenos Aires.

After coming off the bench in Friday's lacklustre 2-1 win over Mauritania, Messi returned to the starting line-up in the World Cup champions' final home game before their title defence.

He wasted no time in creating a chance for Julian Alvarez who put Argentina ahead in the 43rd minute.

Messi added a second with a left-footed effort from an angle just before the break.

Nicolas Otamendi added a penalty early in the second half before Dominic Chanda scored an own goal midway through the period.

Messi was involved again in stoppage time, Nico Gonzalez back heeling his pass for Valentin Barco to complete the scoring.

Elsewhere, Brazil scored twice late on to secure a 3-1 win over Croatia in Orlando.

Danilo gave Brazil the lead at the end of the first half, Lovro Majer equalizing with six minutes remaining.

But Brentford's Igor Thiago restored Brazil's lead from the penalty spot and Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli added a third in stoppage time.