Argentina began their post-Messi era with a 4-0 victory over Bolivia on Thursday, as Lautaro Martinez, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero and Jose Manuel Lopez all found the net.
Martinez opened the scoring in the 19th minute after Alexis Mac Allister sent him through on goal. The striker raced clear of Bolivia goalkeeper Vizcarra before calmly finishing to put Argentina ahead.
Martinez also scored Argentina’s final goal at the 2026 World Cup against England. His latest strike strengthened his position as the country’s second-highest scorer behind Lionel Messi.
Argentina kept control after taking the lead and continued to create chances. Paz, Romero and Lopez then added to the score as the world champions completed a comfortable 4-0 win.
The result offered an early glimpse of Argentina’s next generation as the team begins life beyond Messi’s international career.
Messi was not involved in the match, but his farewell appearance for Argentina is scheduled for October 6 against Benin. That match will mark another step in the transition after his long international career.
Martinez remains one of the senior figures expected to carry greater responsibility for Argentina. Paz, meanwhile, was among the younger players to make an impact in the victory.
Romero also added his name to the scoresheet, while Lopez completed the four-goal performance as Argentina spread the scoring across their attack.
The win gives Argentina an encouraging start to the new cycle following the 2026 World Cup. The team will now prepare for Messi’s farewell against Benin before continuing its preparations for the next phase of international football.
With Messi moving towards the end of his Argentina career, the victory over Bolivia provided an early look at the players who could take on bigger roles in the years ahead.
