Argentina overwhelm Bolivia as Messi farewell draws closer

Argentina began their return to international football with a 4-0 victory over Bolivia, extending their record to 15 wins in their last 16 internationals.

Lautaro Martinez, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero and Jose Lopez scored at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes as Lionel Scaloni’s side prepared for Lionel Messi’s expected final appearance for his country.

The friendly was Argentina’s first game since their World Cup final defeat in July. They will face Burkina Faso next before meeting Benin on 6 October, when Messi is expected to make his farewell appearance.

Inter Milan striker Martinez opened the scoring before the half-hour mark. After receiving the ball just outside the penalty area, he waited for an opening before sending a low finish into the bottom corner.

Paz doubled the lead with an accomplished finish shortly afterwards. The Como midfielder ran on to Exequiel Palacios’s pass through the Bolivia defence and lifted the ball over goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra for his second international goal.

He then turned provider soon after half-time, swinging a free-kick into the box for Romero to meet with a firm header. The effort struck the post on its way into the net.

Argentina’s captain was substituted immediately afterwards as Scaloni made three changes. The alterations affected the hosts’ rhythm, but they still created further opportunities and added a fourth goal late in the match.

Substitute Lopez had already had one effort disallowed for offside before fighting to regain possession inside the penalty area and prodding the ball into the net. It was his first goal for Argentina.

Scaloni said his team had retained its identity despite the changes made during the second half.

“I believe that the identity of the national team is to string passes together, to collectively create scoring opportunities,” the Argentina coach said.

“The challenge is to continue playing this way, and for the younger players to understand that this is the way to play. Our idea is to dominate the matches.”

Scaloni also urged patience with emerging players such as Leonel Flores and Franco Mastantuono, saying they should be allowed time to develop within the squad.

“We ask the guys who come to the national team to do what they do at their clubs,” he said. “We have to take care of Leo Flores, because he, like Franco, is young and we have to nurture those talents.”

The coach praised the senior members of the squad for helping establish the standards expected of the younger players.

“I liked everyone’s work, especially the guys who have more experience,” Scaloni added.

The result was Argentina’s fourth consecutive victory over Bolivia without conceding a goal. Bolivia have now lost their last five matches.