Argentina Beats Bolivia 4-0 in Its First Match Since Lionel Messi’s International Retirement
Argentina scored twice in each half as Cristian Romero captained the side in Lionel Messi's absence.
- Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni appointed Cristian 'Cuti' Romero as the new captain, confirming the 28-year-old Atletico Madrid defender will succeed Lionel Messi following his international retirement.
- Romero has previously captained Argentina in matches against Venezuela, Mauritania, and Chile, demonstrating the on-field leadership that prompted Scaloni to select him as permanent successor.
- "There is Emiliano Martinez, who can also wear the armband," Scaloni said, acknowledging Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez as capable leaders but emphasizing Romero is the "right one."
- Argentina prepares for friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin, with Messi set to don the No. 10 jersey one last time next Tuesday in Buenos Aires.
- The selection signals a transition toward the 2026 World Cup cycle, with Scaloni aiming to integrate fresh talent into a sturdy core as Argentina moves beyond the Messi era.
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Lautaro Martínez (19'), Nicolás Paz (29'), Cristian Romero (53') and José "Flaco" López (86') scored the goals of the Albiceleste, which faced the match without Lionel Messi after the captain announced his withdrawal from the selection. The rosary star will have his farewell on October 6 in a friendly face against Benin. The duel against Bolivia also offered a look at the future of the Argentine team. With Messi already removed from the national…
Argentina beat Bolivia 4-0 in a friendly at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba. Lautaro Martinez, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero and José Manuel Lopez scored for the hosts, who controlled the match from start to finish. The match was Argentina's first test since losing the World Cup final. Lionel Scaloni's team started aggressively and gave Bolivia no space to develop their game. Lautaro Martinez and Nico Paz gave the lead The score was open…
LancasterOnline
Los Angeles TimesCÓRDOBA, Argentina (AP) — Argentina kicked off a new era after the retirement of the star Lionel Messi with a 4-0 score against Bolivia on Wednesday in a friendly international.
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