Nico Paz stars in Argentina’s first match without Messi — 4:0 over Bolivia

October 1, 2026 — Argentina opened its post‑Messi era with a convincing 4:0 victory over Bolivia in Córdoba, winning 4:0 (2:0) at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium. Lionel Messi was absent from the line‑up, although he is expected to return in six days to play a farewell match against Benin.

From the first whistle Argentina imposed its rhythm, dominated possession and quickly underlined the gap in individual quality between the sides. The hosts settled the game early and never allowed Bolivia back into contention.

The first goal came in the 19th minute when Alexis Mac Allister delivered a masterful pass that split Bolivia’s last line and put Lautaro Martínez through on goal. Martínez finished the chance, moving level into third place on Argentina’s all‑time scorers list with 41 goals; Gabriel Batistuta remains on 56 and Lionel Messi on 125.

New faces, immediate impact

Shortly after, Ezequiel Palacios found Nico Paz with a precise pass between the lines. Rather than blasting at goal, the young Como midfielder who will wear the No.10 shirt in the next national camp produced an elegant finish — rounding the goalkeeper and heading the ball into the net to make it 2:0.

Cristian Romero, appearing as Argentina’s captain for the first time, completed the big moment for the home crowd. From a Nico Paz set piece delivered from a free kick, Romero met the cross and headed in for 3:0 — a goal scored in front of supporters in his native province.

Argentina added a late fourth through José Manuel López of Palmeiras. After a driving move by Boca Juniors’ Leonel Flores failed to finish, the ball ricocheted inside the area and López reacted to score; the report records that he “made his debut in the national team shirt on his eighth appearance.” The Albiceleste now prepare a friendly against Burkina Faso before Messi’s farewell fixture with Benin.

Photo: press material from the event