Argentina beat Bolivia 4-0 in first match without Messi — Buenos Aires Times

Argentina’s national team thrashed Bolivia 4-0 in a friendly match at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba, Argentina. Lautaro Martínez, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero and José Flaco López scored the goals. Buenos Aires Times reports that this was Argentina’s first match after Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the national team.

Goals in both halves

Martínez opened the scoring in the 19th minute after an assist from Exequiel Palacios. Ten minutes later, Palacios sent Nico Paz through one-on-one with goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra, and the midfielder chipped the ball over the keeper.

At the start of the second half, Paz delivered a cross and Romero headed in the third goal. López sealed the final score in the 86th minute, converting a rebound after an individual run by Leonel Flores.

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Opportunity for new players

Head coach Lionel Scaloni named right-back Agustín Gaya and attacking midfielder Paz in the starting lineup. Román Vega made his debut at left-back, while winger Gianluca Prestianni made his first start.

Leonardo Balerdi, Valentín Gómez, Santiago Simón, Exequiel Equi Fernández, López and Flores came on after the break. Romero received the captain’s armband after Messi. He said the team would seek to maintain the highest level and build a strong group.

Argentina will play a friendly against Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3 and face Benin on October 6, when Messi is expected to say goodbye to the fans.