Argentina vs Bolivia Lineups: How Scaloni’s XI performed without Messi

Match Overview

On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Argentina hosted Bolivia in a friendly at Kempes Stadium in Córdoba. The match marked the Albiceleste’s first game after Lionel Messi announced his international retirement and gave coach Lionel Scaloni a chance to test a post‑Messi setup. Argentina won 4‑0, with goals coming from Lautaro Martínez, Nicolás Paz, Cuti Romero and Flaco López.

Starting XI and Tactical Choices

Scaloni opted to start Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez together as strikers, a pairing he had previously avoided.[1] Agustín Giay was deployed at right‑back, Exequiel Palacios came in for the suspended Enzo Fernández in midfield, and Valentín Barco operated as a third central midfielder. Nicolás Paz, on loan from Serie A side Como, was given the playmaking role usually associated with the number 10 shirt.[1] Scaloni confirmed that no player would wear the iconic No. 10 for now, saying the decision would wait until after Messi’s farewell match against Benin on October 6.[1]

Goal Contributions and Key Moments

Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring with a precise right‑footed strike from the edge of the box after a pass from McAllister.[2] Nicolás Paz doubled the lead with a delicate finish as the Bolivian goalkeeper came off his line, following a vertical ball from Palacios.[2] In the second half, Cuti Romero, named captain after the departures of Messi and Otamendi, headed in a free‑kick taken by Paz to make it 3‑0.[2] Flaco López added the fourth with a sliding finish after a move orchestrated by Leonel Flores.[2] Paz was substituted in the 55th minute for Mastantuono, while Balerdi replaced Romero at the same time; Martínez left the field in the 75th minute with a minor head cut.[2]

Implications for the Post‑Messi Era

The friendly showed that Álvarez and Martínez can combine effectively as a striking duo, that Paz can assume creative responsibilities, and that Romero can lead the defence as captain. Although the opponent was lower‑ranked, the tactical experiments provide Scaloni with data for upcoming competitive fixtures, including the Copa América qualifiers and the 2030 World Cup preparations.