Argentina returned to the pitch in Córdoba with the disappointment of their World Cup final defeat to Spain still close, but Wednesday night ended in a convincing 4-0 win over Bolivia at the Mario Kempes Stadium.
Lionel Messi was absent as Argentina began another international cycle, with the forward approaching the end of his career with the national team. In his place, the world champions of 2022 found goals across the side and had the result under control before half-time.
Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring in the 19th minute, before Nico Paz doubled the advantage ten minutes later. Bolivia struggled to offer a response and failed to create enough on target to seriously trouble Emiliano Martínez, who recorded his first clean sheet in seven appearances for Argentina.
The home side continued after the break without allowing the match to drift. Cristian Romero added a third goal in the 53rd minute, while José Manuel López completed the scoring four minutes from the end.
Two more friendlies before Messi’s farewell
Argentina will continue their preparations with two further matches in October. Burkina Faso will visit the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on 3 October, followed four days later by a meeting with Benin.
The Benin fixture is set to carry particular emotion, as it is expected to mark Messi’s farewell to international football after one final campaign with Argentina.
