Argentina begin post-Messi era with new-look side against Bolivia

Argentina will begin life without Lionel Messi when they face Bolivia in a friendly at midnight GMT on Thursday, 1 October.

Messi announced his international retirement in August and will not feature in this match, although he is still expected to play in his testimonial against Benin in a few days. The game against Bolivia therefore gives Argentina manager the opportunity to accelerate a generational transition within the team.

Nicolas Paz and Franco Mastantuono are expected to take on greater responsibility in midfield and attack, alongside established forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.

Argentina’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez

Defenders: Agustin Giay, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Facundo Medina

Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolas Gonzalez, Franco Mastantuono

Forwards: Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez

Argentina’s starting line-up combines several of the players who have formed the core of the team in recent years with younger members of the squad being given an opportunity to grow in more prominent roles.

Bolivia are also expected to make only limited changes to the team selected against Paraguay. Manager Oscar Villegas is likely to retain much of that starting line-up, while making a few adjustments in an attempt to improve both defensive solidity and attacking effectiveness.

Bolivia’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Billy Viscarra

Defenders: Efrain Morales, Luis Haquin, D. Arroyo

Midfielders: Diego Medina, Hector Cuellar, Tonino Melgar, G. Villamil, R. Fernandez

Forwards: Miguelito, Fernando Nava

The friendly will provide Argentina with their first match in the post-Messi era, while Bolivia will use the fixture to test a side largely familiar from their meeting with Paraguay.

Pre-match betting odds list Argentina as strong favourites. Argentina’s victory is priced at 1,11, a draw at 11,30 and a Bolivia win at 32,00.