The post-Messi generation gets off to a strong start: Argentina crushes Bolivia

It began as a curious and suspenseful affair and ended up being a celebration. Argentina handed Bolivia a crushing defeat (4-0) in their first match without Lionel Messi, who has been their leader for the past two decades and is arguably the best player to ever wear their jersey. The match was played at the Mario Kempes Stadium, located in the city of Córdoba.

La Albiceleste took the field with a sense of nostalgia at not having Messi, who announced his retirement from the national team on August 31, a month and a half after losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. However, that initial impression faded as the minutes passed, and the national team led by Lionel Scaloni—who fielded several new faces for this round of matches—ended up dismantling their opponent.

Argentina's first goal was scored by Lautaro Martínez. The Inter Milan forward beat the Bolivian goalkeeper in the 18th minute with a low shot from the edge of the box. Ten minutes later, midfielder Nico Paz capitalized on a great assist from Exequiel Palacios to score the second goal of the match.

The other two goals came in the second half. Defender Cristian Romero, who captained the Albiceleste in their first match without Messi, sent the ball into the back of the net with a header in the 54th minute. In the final moments of the match, forward José Manuel López sealed the victory by capitalizing on a rebound inside the box.

The Albiceleste had plenty of opportunities to extend their lead, though they were unable to convert them.

Following the victory over Bolivia, the Argentine national team will play again this Saturday, this time against Burkina Faso.