Argentina proved there could be life after Lionel Messi with a 4-0 rout of Bolivia last night. Messi will play his farewell game next week against Benin after opting to retire from international football following this summers World Cup.Boss Lionel Scaloni named a side that contained youth and experience for the game in Cordoba and his team shone, goals from Lautaro Martnez, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero and Jos Lpez seeing them past a weak Bolivia side.It was wonderful to see so many young players enjoying themselves and singing the national anthem like any other player, Scaloni said. For any coach, its exciting to give a player their debut. For a national team coach, even more so, because you can see on the players faces what it means to play in this shirt.Scaloni also reserved praise for some of the older players, led by new skipper Romero.I like how the players approach the match, especially those who have been here for a while. They all come with a sense of joy, and they show it when they step onto the field.Paz the star as Argentina cruisePaz occupied Messis role as chief playmaker and produced a hugely impressive display, the Como midfielder capping his performance with a lovely chipped finish to add to Martinezs opener.Romeros header made it 3-0 before debutant Lopez notched his first goal for his country late on.Lopez said: I try to make the most of every opportunity the coach gives me. Its an honour to play with the National Team. Very happy, luckily the goal came, the first one and its a gift from life.Argentina face Burkina Faso on Saturday night before the Benin clash on Tuesday on what is sure to be an emotional night in Buenos Aires.The likes of Rodrigo De Paul and Gonzalo Montiel will return for the Benin game but Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Enzo Fernandez will miss out due to suspensions incurred during Argentinas World Cup final defeat to Spain. Topics Argentina National Football Team Bolivia National Football Team Lionel Messi Nico Paz Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Argentina v Bolivia: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch as post-Messi era gets underway Jon Fisher 30th September, 2026 Selfish Ronaldo needs to follow Messis lead and walk away rather than tarnish Portugal legacy Jon Fisher 30th September, 2026 Messi scores again but Dreyer double sees Inter Miamis run of MLS draws stretch to four games Jon Fisher 21st September, 2026 Beckham backs Messi over Kane for Ballon dOr after inspiring Inter Miami to Campeones Cup Mitch Fretton 17th September, 2026 Lionel Messi goal not enough as Inter Miamis miserable run continues Jon Fisher 13th September, 2026 Inter Miami v Nashville: Preview, expected line-ups, stats Mitch Fretton 11th September, 2026
