Argentina 4-0 Bolivia
Argentina offered an exciting glimpse into life after Lionel Messi as they defeated Bolivia 4-0 in an international friendly at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba.
Nico Paz delivered the standout performance with a brilliant goal and an assist, while Lautaro Martínez, new captain Cristian “Cuti” Romero and José Manuel “Flaco” López completed the scoring.
It was Argentina’s first match since finishing as runners-up at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the opening game of a three-match home series. Although Messi’s official farewell appearance is still to come, Lionel Scaloni’s side demonstrated that the next generation is ready to accept greater responsibility.
Argentina vs Bolivia Match Summary
Final score: Argentina 4-0 Bolivia
Competition: International friendly
Venue: Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Córdoba
Goalscorers:
- Lautaro Martínez — 18th minute
- Nico Paz — 28th minute
- Cristian Romero — 53rd minute
- José Manuel López — 85th minute
Argentina dominated possession, pressed Bolivia high up the pitch and restricted the visitors to very few attacking opportunities throughout the match.
Lautaro Martínez Opens the Scoring
Argentina controlled the game from the opening whistle without immediately creating a large number of clear chances.
The breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute. Exequiel Palacios played the ball forward before Alexis Mac Allister cleverly allowed it to run into the path of Lautaro Martínez.
The striker controlled the ball, created space between the Bolivian defenders and placed a low finish beyond goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra.
Lautaro’s movement and clinical finish gave Argentina the reward their early pressure deserved. It was another reminder of his importance as one of the experienced players expected to lead the team during its transition away from the Messi era.
Nico Paz Scores a Messi-Like Goal
Ten minutes after Lautaro’s opener, Nico Paz produced the defining moment of the match.
Palacios split Bolivia’s defence with another intelligent pass, allowing Paz to race through on goal. The 22-year-old remained composed and delicately lifted the ball over Viscarra to double Argentina’s advantage.
The finish immediately drew comparisons to Messi because of its confidence, control and creativity.
Paz was constantly involved between Bolivia’s midfield and defence. His movement created passing lanes, while his ability to receive the ball in tight areas helped Argentina sustain attacks around the penalty box.
The Como midfielder entered the match as one of Argentina’s most exciting young players after being named Serie A’s best young player for the 2025/26 season. He responded to the increased responsibility with an influential performance.
Captain Cuti Romero Scores Argentina’s Third
Argentina continued controlling the contest after half-time and scored their third goal in the 53rd minute.
Paz delivered an excellent set-piece towards the far post, where Cristian Romero rose above the Bolivian defence and directed a powerful header into the net.
It was a memorable goal for Romero, who wore the captain’s armband as Argentina began preparing for life without Messi.
The defender led the back line confidently and helped ensure that Bolivia rarely threatened Emiliano Martínez’s goal. His performance combined defensive authority with a goal that effectively ended the match as a contest.
Romero’s appointment represents a change in Argentina’s leadership structure. Lautaro Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul and other experienced players will remain important, but the defender’s intensity and commanding personality make him a natural figurehead for the next cycle.
Flaco López Scores First Argentina Goal
Scaloni used the second half to test several players, with Flaco López replacing Lautaro Martínez in the 74th minute.
The Palmeiras striker initially missed an opportunity before having another effort ruled out for offside. His persistence was finally rewarded five minutes from full-time.
Enzo Fernández carried the ball from midfield and lost possession inside the area, but López reacted quickly, fought for the loose ball and poked his finish beyond the goalkeeper.
It was López’s first senior international goal in his eighth appearance for Argentina. He had previously registered two assists for the national team.
The goal completed an emotional evening for the striker and underlined Argentina’s growing depth in attack.
Nico Paz Makes His Case for a Leading Role
Replacing Lionel Messi is impossible. Argentina are therefore unlikely to ask one player to reproduce everything the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner provided.
Scaloni must instead distribute the creative and leadership responsibilities across the team. Paz’s performance against Bolivia showed that he could become an important part of that collective solution.
He scored, created Romero’s goal and consistently looked capable of unlocking the defence. His link-up play with Palacios, Mac Allister, Lautaro and Julián Álvarez also demonstrated that he can operate effectively alongside Argentina’s established stars.
Young players such as Franco Mastantuono, Agustín Giay, Román Vega and Gianluca Prestianni will also be given opportunities as Scaloni builds towards the 2028 Copa América and the following World Cup cycle.
The convincing result against Bolivia was only a friendly, but it gave Argentina supporters reasons for optimism.
Messi’s Argentina Farewell Approaches
Messi was not part of the squad that faced Bolivia and will also sit out the next friendly against Burkina Faso.
The legendary No.10 is scheduled to return for his final Argentina appearance against Benin on October 6 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The match will provide Argentina supporters with an opportunity to celebrate an international career that produced the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles and countless individual records.
Members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families have reportedly been invited to attend the farewell celebration.
The occasion will formally close the Messi chapter. However, the performance against Bolivia showed that Argentina’s footballing transition has already begun.
What Next for Argentina?
Argentina will continue their friendly series against Burkina Faso on October 3 before facing Benin three days later.
Scaloni is expected to continue rotating his squad against Burkina Faso, providing further opportunities to emerging players. Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are expected to join the team for the final match against Benin.
The challenge for Argentina will be maintaining the winning mentality developed during the Messi era while building a more collective attacking identity.
Against Bolivia, the early signs were encouraging: four different goalscorers, a clean sheet, a young creative midfielder taking responsibility and a new captain finding the net.
The post-Messi era will bring much more difficult tests, but Argentina could hardly have asked for a better beginning.
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