|By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Zambia national team captain Fashion Sakala has expressed confidence that the Chipolopolo can rise to the occasion when they face world champions Argentina national football team in today’s high-profile international friendly, drawing inspiration from Mauritania’s spirited performance against the South American giants.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Sakala admitted the magnitude of the challenge but stressed that recent results in international football have shown that so-called underdogs can compete with the very best.
“We are very excited for this game. We are playing against the world champions, and to be honest, we all know how tough this game will be and how great the Argentina national team is,” Sakala said.
The forward pointed to Argentina’s narrow 2-1 win over Mauritania as a source of motivation for Zambia, highlighting how the West African side pushed the world champions all the way.
“We watched the game, and I think Mauritania tried their best as well. I expected it to be a 6–0 or 7–0 game, but they showed great character and hard work. It ended 2–1, and it was a very interesting match,” he said.
“These days, football can only be decided on the pitch. It shows that even smaller countries have a chance to beat the greatest teams in football history. That game motivated us. We believe and feel we also have a chance to get something.”
Sakala also spoke about the personal significance of potentially sharing the pitch with global icon Lionel Messi, whom he described as one of the greatest players of all time.
“I feel great and honoured to play against Lionel Messi. He is one of the greatest players in the history of football. It would be a pleasure to meet him. I hope he plays so that I can shake his hand,” he said.
“I have already met Cristiano Ronaldo, so it would be a very special moment for me to also meet Lionel Messi. It’s something I have been looking forward to.”
The Zambia captain added that he would relish the opportunity to exchange jerseys with any of the Argentina players, should the chance arise.
“I will definitely try my best to ask for a jersey from any player in the Argentina team. I have so much respect for all of them. Whoever I get the chance to meet, I will ask—but if I can get Messi’s shirt, that would be a great honour,” he added.
Sakala also shared his excitement about playing in one of Argentina’s most iconic football venues, famously associated with Boca Juniors.
“I already knew about Boca Juniors and have watched some of their games. I am very happy to play in their stadium because I know the atmosphere will be incredible,” he said.
The Chipolopolo Boys will face La Albiceleste in Buenos Aires today at 20:15 local time (Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 01:15 Zambian time).
