Argentina Beats Bolivia 4-0 in Its First Match Since Lionel Messi’s International Retirement – WTOP News
- Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni appointed Cristian 'Cuti' Romero as the new captain, confirming the 28-year-old Atletico Madrid defender will succeed Lionel Messi following his international retirement.
- Romero has previously captained Argentina in matches against Venezuela, Mauritania, and Chile, demonstrating the on-field leadership that prompted Scaloni to select him as permanent successor.
- "There is Emiliano Martinez, who can also wear the armband," Scaloni said, acknowledging Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez as capable leaders but emphasizing Romero is the "right one."
- Argentina prepares for friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin, with Messi set to don the No. 10 jersey one last time next Tuesday in Buenos Aires.
- The selection signals a transition toward the 2026 World Cup cycle, with Scaloni aiming to integrate fresh talent into a sturdy core as Argentina moves beyond the Messi era.
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Otherwise than friendly, like this Tuesday against Bolivia, Argentina will not be able to permanently withdraw the number 10, yet worn for almost two decades by Lionel Messi with the albiceleste selection. The seven-time Ballon d'Or, who announced his international retreat on 31 August last, will play his last match under the Argentine jersey [...]
In Cordoba, the Albiceleste opens the marks with a right-hand rasoter by Interista Lautaro Martinez at 19' and doubles with a left-handed dig by Como Nico Paz at 29'. (ANSA)
Lautaro Martínez (19'), Nicolás Paz (29'), Cristian Romero (53') and José "Flaco" López (86') scored the goals of the Albiceleste, which faced the match without Lionel Messi after the captain announced his withdrawal from the selection. The rosary star will have his farewell on October 6 in a friendly face against Benin. The duel against Bolivia also offered a look at the future of the Argentine team. With Messi already removed from the national…
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