Argentina dispatched four unanswered goals against Bolivia in an international friendly ahead of Lionel Messi’s final match at the Mario Kempes Stadium in Cordoba.
Messi had announced his international retirement after losing the 2026 World Cup to Spain.
This is a good return for Albiceleste after the World Cup loss, even without the talisman, who will soon hang up his international boots after his final bow against the Republic in another international friendly.
The Albiceleste got the job done through goals from Lautaro Martinez, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero and José Manuel Lopez.
The Albiceleste made light work of their opponent, establishingg a comfortable lead before halftimewitho goals from Martinez an Paz.
They sealed the win in the second half with goals from Cristian Romero and José Manuel Lopez.
Bolivia couldn’t register enough shots on target to trouble Emiliano Martinez, recording his first clean sheet in seven matches.
Before the international break ends, Argentina will play two more friendlies, one of which is particularly anticipated. After facing Burkina Faso on October 3rd at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, the 2022 World Cup champions will play against Benin four days later.
The Benin match will mark Messi’s farewell to the national team after another international campaign.
Meanwhile, Messi has won another accolade as Argentina captain, being awarded the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) Doctor Honoris Causa.
This follows the Superior Council’s decision, which unanimously approved the award, acknowledging Messi’s professional career and his representation of Argentina and the values UBA says he has shown throughout his career.
This recognition is coming at a pivotal time in Messi’s international career.
The distinction will be presented at the Estadio Monumental on October 6, 2026, before Argentina’s final match against Benin. The ceremony will be held before Messi’s last game for the national team.
