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Internationals: Barco scores for Argentina and more

With the season's final international break having drawn to a close, we round up all of last night's friendly action involving Ligue 1 McDonald's players from the Americas.
E. DEVIN
Published on 04/01/2026 at 12:00
2-minute read
Valentín Barco scored his first goal for his country in Argentina's win over Zambia

With the season's final international break having drawn to a close, we round up all of last night's friendly action involving Ligue 1 McDonald's players from the Americas.

Argentina 5-0 Zambia

After a surprisingly close win over Mauritania last week, Argentina were all business against Zambia, playing a strong eleven that included Lyon left back Nicolás Tagliafico. Having gone three goals up just after the break, Lionel Scaloni would then make several changes, bringing on Strasbourg midfielder Valentín Barco, who would impress and score his first goal for his country in added time, sealing the match's final margin.

USA 0-2 Portugal

The US' struggles continued in Atlanta as they were consigned to their second straight defeat by an incisive Portugal team. Timothy Weah (Marseille) started for the hosts, while Folarin Balogun (Monaco) Tanner Tessmann (Lyon) and Mark McKenzie (Toulouse) came off the bench, but none of the four could change the tide. As for Portugal, three of the four Paris Saint-Germain players -- Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, and Gonçalo Ramos -- would play, while João Neves remained an unused substitute. 

Brazil 3-1 Croatia

In Orlando, Florida, Brazil shook off last week's loss to France as they impressed against an admittedly under-strength Croatia. PSG captain Marquinhos started in central defence and played the entire match, while Olympique Lyonnais forward Endrick turned the match late on, winning a penalty and setting up Danilo for the match's final goal. 

Belgium 1-1 Mexico

Three days after a resounding win over the United States, the Red Devils were back in action against another of the hosts in Chicago. Nathan Ngoy of Lille started the match in central defence, while his club teammate Thomas Meunier came off the bench. There was also an appearance for Saint-Étienne striker Lucas Stassin as Belgium battled back after conceding an early goal. 

Canada 0-0 Tunisia

Finally, the other host nation welcomed a Tunisia side who had incredibly qualified without conceding a goal to Toronto. OGC Nice left back Ali Abdi was in the eleven, while PSG's 19-year-old academy player Khalil Ayari made his debut for the Eagles of Carthage in the second half as they turned in another stalwart defensive display. As for the hosts, Toulouse forward Jacen Russell-Rowe came off the bench for the final fifteen minutes, but was unable to break the deadlock. 

Read more:

>> From Sochaux to Bleu: A look at the eastern club's contributions to France

>> World Cup Qualifiers: Šulc strikes for Czechia, DR Congo edge Jamaica

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