Argentina took firm control of their friendly against Bolivia at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium, reaching half-time 2-0 ahead through Lautaro Martínez and Nico Paz as Lionel Scaloni began a three-match programme shaped by renewal after the World Cup final.
Key takeaways
- Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring before Nico Paz added a finely taken second goal.
- Argentina pressed Bolivia relentlessly, keeping all 10 outfield players high in the opposition half for long periods.
- Bolivia remained compact near their own penalty area and goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra was rarely tested despite Argentina’s territorial dominance.
- The match is the first of three Argentina friendlies, with Burkina Faso next on Saturday and Benin to follow on Tuesday.
- Messi is due to make his final Argentina appearance against Benin.
Argentina’s new cycle starts with authority
Scaloni’s side entered the game with a number of fresh faces and an attacking partnership of Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Nico Paz and Prestianni were among the notable changes, while Exequiel Palacios was handed an opportunity in midfield following his move from Bayer Leverkusen to Ipswich.
The hosts established possession immediately and forced Bolivia into a deep defensive shape. Argentina’s full-backs pushed high enough to operate almost as wingers, while their counter-press ensured that even loose passes were rapidly recovered in the Bolivian half.
Bolivia initially resisted well, attempting to slow the contest and retain the ball whenever possible. Their first corner ended with an attacking foul, and a deflected effort that nearly caught Viscarra out was one of the few early moments of danger.
Martínez broke the resistance after collecting the ball with a measure of fortune and driving a low, firm finish beyond Viscarra. There were questions over a possible offside position, but the goal stood. Álvarez then threatened to extend the advantage, cutting inside before his left-footed effort was blocked.
Paz, already Argentina’s principal threat from set pieces, made it 2-0 with an outstanding finish after emerging as the most active player in the opening half. Argentina continued to hunt the ball aggressively after taking the lead, leaving Bolivia with little scope to alter their cautious approach.
A testing week ahead for both teams
The fixture marks Argentina’s first outing since the World Cup final. World champions in 2022 and runners-up in 2026, they have already secured qualification for the next World Cup, but Scaloni is working towards a reshaped group for the 2028 Copa América and the next global tournament.
Argentina’s forthcoming meetings with Burkina Faso and Benin will offer further chances for the newer members of the squad. The final match of the sequence, against Benin on Tuesday, is set to be Messi’s farewell with the national team.
Bolivia arrived in Córdoba after a 2-0 defeat to Paraguay, in which Miguel Almirón scored twice, and carrying four consecutive losses from their recent friendlies. Their own rebuilding process included a starting role for 18-year-old Always Ready forward Maraude.
There was also fresh confirmation of the qualification landscape for the next campaign: only three and a half places will be available, with Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay already qualified.
