Argentina 4-0 Bolivia: Paz shines as Scaloni's side begin post-Messi era in style (full match highlights)

Argentina began life after Lionel Messi with a commanding 4-0 victory over Bolivia at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba. The match, played on 30 September 2026, was the Albiceleste's first outing since their World Cup final defeat to Spain and marked the start of a new era. With Messi absent, Lionel Scaloni handed the captain's armband to Cristian Romero, who led by example by scoring the third goal. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring in the 19th minute, latching onto Alexis Mac Allister's defence-splitting pass and finishing clinically past Guillermo Viscarra. Ten minutes later, Exequiel Palacios threaded a precise through ball to Nico Paz, who coolly chipped the onrushing goalkeeper. Paz turned provider in the 54th minute, delivering a corner that Romero headed home from close range. Substitute José Manuel López sealed the win in the 86th minute, converting Leonel Flores' cutback for his first international goal. The result provided an encouraging start to Argentina's post-Messi cycle, with Paz delivering a standout performance that included a goal and an assist. Bolivia, who had lost 2-0 to Paraguay the previous week, offered little resistance. Can Argentina maintain this momentum as they prepare to bid farewell to Messi in their upcoming matches.

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