Nicolas Paz stars as Argentina begin post-Messi era with 4-0 win over Bolivia

Argentina marked their first match since Lionel Messi’s international retirement with a 4-0 friendly victory over Bolivia early on Thursday.

Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the 19th minute before Nicolas Paz doubled the lead 10 minutes later. Cristian Romero added a third in the 53rd minute, while Jose Manuel Lopez completed the scoring in the 86th minute.

The match was Argentina’s first since their defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final in July. Messi, 39, announced his retirement from international football last month, although he is set to wear the Argentina shirt one final time in a farewell match against Benin.

Argentina will play two more friendlies. They are due to face Burkina Faso on 3 October before meeting Benin next Tuesday.

Paz makes his mark

The opening fixture of a new era gave Paz a chance to stake his claim, and the Como player responded with an influential performance.

Lionel Scaloni named the 22-year-old in the starting line-up for Argentina’s first game since the World Cup final, and Paz justified that decision with a superb goal and an assist from a set-piece delivery.

Argentina produced an impressive display in Cordoba, applying sustained pressure to Bolivia and giving their opponents little opportunity to build an attack. They were also clinical when chances arrived in front of goal, scoring twice in each half.

Paz was particularly effective in the final third, where he helped direct Argentina’s attacking play and repeatedly caused problems for Bolivia’s defence. His performance strengthened his case for a prominent role in the national team following Messi’s decision to end his international career.

Argentina’s attacking threat diminished after Paz was substituted in the second half. Their attacks became less dangerous and less consistent, underlining the influence he had exerted during his time on the pitch.

With Messi’s farewell still to come against Benin, Argentina’s victory nevertheless offered an early indication of the players who may be expected to carry the team forward in the next phase.