Argentina beats Bolivia 4-0 in post-Messi era debut

Argentina opened its post-Lionel Messi era with a 4-0 friendly victory over Bolivia at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium in Cordoba. Cristian "Cuti" Romero wore the captain's armband for the first time and scored the team's third goal in what he called a career-defining night.

Romero, who began his career at Belgrano in Cordoba, returned to the stadium a decade later as national team captain. He described the responsibility as enormous but said he feels prepared, noting that veterans Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul remain as leaders without the armband.

“We all hope he stays because he created this group”

Four players made their Argentina debuts: left-back Roman Vega started, while Santiago Simon, Ezequiel Fernandez, and Leonel Flores entered in the second half. Vega became the 66th player to debut under Lionel Scaloni since 2018, with the trio raising the tally to 69.

Scaloni praised his side's attitude and identity regardless of personnel changes. He emphasized that respect for the shirt's history dictates how every match must be approached, win or lose. The coach also highlighted the emotion of hearing children sing the anthem in the stands.

Romero publicly urged the Argentine Football Association to extend Scaloni's contract, which remains unsigned beyond 2026. "We all hope he stays because he created this group," the defender said. Scaloni's assistants Roberto Ayala and Walter Samuel face uncertain futures due to a FIFA ban and a desire to become a head coach respectively.