From Buenos Aires Times · · 1m 20s
Argentina thrash Bolivia in post-Messi friendly
Argentina beats Bolivia 4-0 as new faces step up without Messi.
In brief
Argentina beats Bolivia 4-0 as new faces step up without Messi. Argentina won 4-0 against Bolivia in a friendly match, with Lautaro Martínez, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero and José 'Flaco' López scoring as Lionel Messi's retirement begins a new era for the national team. Originally reported by Buenos Aires Times.
Argentina wins 4-0
Argentina’s national team returned to action on Wednesday with a comfortable 4-0 friendly win over Bolivia in Córdoba.
Scorers named
Lautaro Martínez (19th minute), Nico Paz (29th), Cristian Romero (53rd) and José ‘Flaco’ López (86) scored for the Albiceleste at the Estadio Mario Kempes.
Messi’s retirement
The match was Argentina’s first since captain Messi announced his retirement from international football. Romero has now taken the captain’s armband.
Messi farewell
The 39-year-old Rosario-born star will bid farewell to fans on October 6 in a friendly against Benin.
New faces in squad
Scaloni handed starts to right-back Agustín Giay and creative attacking midfielder Paz, while also surprising with a debut for Román Vega at left-back and a first start for winger Gianluca Prestianni.
Next matches
Argentina will play two more friendlies in the next week. Before Messi’s farewell against Benin, the Albiceleste host Burkina Faso on October 3 at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.
At a glance
Argentina won 4-0 against Bolivia in a friendly match, with Lautaro Martínez, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero and José 'Flaco' López scoring as Lionel Messi's retirement begins a new era for the national team.
