Argentina Beat Bolivia 4-0 Without Messi: New Captain Revealed as Farewell Nears
Argentina opened a new chapter following Lionel Messi’s international retirement with a convincing 4-0 victory over Bolivia in Córdoba on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The friendly at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium was Argentina’s first match since the 2026 World Cup final and the first since Messi announced his retirement from international football.
Why Was Messi Missing Against Bolivia?
Messi did not feature against Bolivia because Argentina’s plans for the September-October international window had already been set around his farewell appearance.
The Argentine Football Association called Messi up specifically for the final friendly against Benin on October 6, 2026, at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The match has been designated as his farewell appearance for the national team.
As a result, Messi was absent from the Bolivia match while preparing for what is expected to be his final Argentina appearance.
Argentina Defeat Bolivia 4-0
Despite Messi’s absence, Argentina produced an emphatic performance.
Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring in the 19th minute, while Nicolás Paz doubled Argentina’s advantage in the 29th minute.
After the break, Cristian Romero scored in the 54th minute before José Manuel López completed the 4-0 victory in the 86th minute.
The result gave Argentina a strong start to its post-Messi period and showed that the team can continue to produce results without its long-time captain.
Who Is Argentina’s New Captain After Messi?
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the new leadership structure ahead of the Bolivia match.
Cristian “Cuti” Romero has been named the first-choice captain following Messi, with Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez and Lautaro Martínez next in the captaincy order for this period.
Romero wore the armband against Bolivia, making him the first captain of Argentina in the new era following Messi’s international retirement.
What Did Scaloni Say About Messi’s Absence?
Scaloni has acknowledged Messi’s importance to the national team while also pointing to the younger players who have stepped up whenever the captain has been unavailable.
The coach said the team’s identity would remain based on controlling possession and that Argentina had already shown it could respond in matches without Messi.
Will the Benin Match Be Messi’s Last Game for Argentina?
According to the Argentine Football Association, Messi’s farewell match is scheduled for October 6, 2026, against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The AFA announced Messi’s call-up after he had declared his retirement from international football in August. The federation described the October 6 match as the farewell he deserves after his historic international career.
Messi is expected to make his 208th and final appearance for Argentina in the match. He currently holds Argentina’s records for international appearances and goals, with 125 goals for the national team.
His international career includes the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.
What Comes Next for Argentina?
Argentina’s schedule continues with another friendly against Burkina Faso on October 3, followed by the highly anticipated farewell match against Benin on October 6.
The 4-0 victory over Bolivia has therefore become an important early marker in Argentina’s transition. Messi was absent, Romero wore the captain’s armband, and a new generation of players took on greater responsibility.
The attention now turns to October 6, when Messi is scheduled to return to the Argentina shirt for what is expected to be his final international appearance.