Argentina vs Bolivia finished 4-0 in an international friendly on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The match, played at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba, was Argentina’s first game since Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the national team at the end of August. Lionel Scaloni’s side showed they can win comfortably without their captain, with four different goalscorers and a clean sheet.
Argentina vs Bolivia: Result and Goalscorers
The final score was Argentina 4-0 Bolivia, with Argentina leading 2-0 at half time. The goals came from:
- Lautaro Martínez (19th minute)
- Nico Paz (29th minute)
- Cristian Romero (second half)
- José Manuel López (86th minute)
How the Match Unfolded
Argentina controlled the game from the start. Lautaro Martínez, who plays for Inter, broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Ten minutes later, Nico Paz, who plays for Como, doubled the lead with a clever chip over the goalkeeper. Argentina’s quick passing created chance after chance, while Bolivia spent most of the first half pinned in their own half.
Cristian Romero made it 3-0 in the second half, and Argentina kept pushing. Young attacker Franco Mastantuono and Julián Álvarez both had efforts as the hosts looked for more goals, and Scaloni used his bench to give fresh legs to the team, with Enzo Fernández coming on for Alexis Mac Allister in the 74th minute.
The fourth goal arrived in the 86th minute. Palmeiras forward José Manuel López pounced on a rebound to score his first senior international goal. Bolivia barely tested Emiliano Martínez in the Argentina goal, and the visitors had no answer for the home side’s pressure.
Argentina’s First Game After Messi
All eyes were on how Argentina would look without Lionel Messi. Messi played 207 games for Argentina and finished as the country’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, 21 of them at World Cups. Scaloni picked a balanced team that mixed World Cup winners with emerging young players, and the result was a convincing start to this new chapter for La Albiceleste.
Messi is still in the headlines at club level. Read how he reached a new milestone in Lionel Messi Scores 101st Goal as Inter Miami Held to Draw by San Diego FC.
Argentina vs Bolivia: The History
This result continued a one-sided rivalry. Argentina had won their last five meetings with Bolivia before this match, and the most recent one was a 6-0 win in Buenos Aires in a World Cup qualifier. Across all meetings, Argentina has about 30 wins to Bolivia’s 7. Bolivia, coached by Óscar Villegas, came into the game in poor form, having conceded more than two goals per game over their previous five matches.
The Venue: Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium
The match was played in Córdoba at a stadium built for the 1978 World Cup. It was renamed in 2010 to honour Mario Kempes, the Córdoba-born striker who was top scorer at the 1978 World Cup, and it holds around 57,000 fans. It was a fitting place for Argentina to start their home friendly series.
What Is Next for Argentina?
This was the first of three friendly matches Argentina are playing at home. Their next friendly is against Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 6, where Scaloni will be looking to see more of his younger players in action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in Argentina vs Bolivia?
Argentina won 4-0.
Who scored for Argentina against Bolivia?
Lautaro Martínez, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero and José Manuel López scored the goals.
Did Lionel Messi play against Bolivia?
No. Messi announced his retirement from the national team at the end of August, so this was Argentina’s first match without him.
Where was Argentina vs Bolivia played?
At the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba, Argentina.
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Niraj Yadav is the Founder of Kehlsamachar.com and a passionate cricket content writer. He covers match previews, reports, live updates, player performances, points tables, and major cricket tournaments, bringing readers clear, reliable, and up-to-date sports coverage.