The Argentina national football team defeated Bolivia 4–0 in an international friendly at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba on Wednesday, marking the Albiceleste’s return to action in the first FIFA window following the 2026 World Cup. Lautaro Martínez and Nico Paz scored in the first half before Cristian Romero and José Manuel López extended the lead after halftime under referee Jhon Ospina.
Dominant Display in Córdoba
Lionel Scaloni’s side controlled possession throughout Wednesday’s fixture against an overmatched Bolivian squad that managed only a single shot on target against Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring before young midfielder Nico Paz added a second before the intermission to put the hosts in firm control.
In the second half, defender Cristian “Cuti” Romero scored with a header in his first match since being named the team’s primary captain. Forward José Manuel López capped the scoring with a late goal to secure the 4–0 victory in front of the Córdoba crowd.
Scaloni Evaluates Youth and Prepares for New Cycle
With his contract extension toward the next World Cup cycle well underway, Scaloni used the second half to test younger talent. Román Vega earned a start and played the full 90 minutes, while substitutes Leonel Flores, Ezequiel Fernández, Valentín Gómez, and Santiago Simón all made their senior international debuts for the Albiceleste.
Following Wednesday’s match, the squad returned to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) training complex in Ezeiza to begin preparations for upcoming friendlies against Burkina Faso and Benín at the Estadio Monumental.
Farewell Match Scheduled for Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi did not feature in the squad against Bolivia following his announcement in late August of his retirement from international football. The forward revealed his decision in a hand-written letter following the World Cup final, citing physical exhaustion and a desire to make room for younger generations after a 20-year international career.
Despite stepping away from regular duty, Messi remains included in the official squad list for the September-October FIFA window to participate in a farewell appearance against Benín on Tuesday, October 6, at the Monumental. Under FIFA regulations, his club Inter Miami is required to release him for the fixture without requiring extraordinary permits. Messi is not expected to join training in Ezeiza ahead of the match against Burkina Faso on Saturday, October 3, and is slated to join the group just days before the Benín fixture.
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