Overview
- Argentina began the transition with a 4-0 victory over Bolivia in Córdoba, a match that showcased a new look attack and goals from Lautaro Martínez, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero, and José Manuel López.
- Coach Lionel Scaloni has publicly committed to stay and is in talks over an extension to provide continuity through the next tournament cycle.
- Cristian Romero has been confirmed as Argentina’s captain with Emiliano Martínez and Lautaro Martínez named among the leadership group.
- Scaloni used the game to experiment tactically and to hand creative responsibility to young playmaker Nico Paz, who scored and assisted and emerged as a leading candidate to fill Messi’s creative role.
- The team will play two more home friendlies against Burkina Faso and Benin, the latter serving as Messi’s one‑off farewell on Oct. 6, with some players still unavailable because of post‑World Cup disciplinary measures and club travel constraints.