09/30/26 09:10:00
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09/30 21:05 CDT Argentina beats Bolivia 4-0 in its first match since Lionel
Messi's international retirement
Argentina beats Bolivia 4-0 in its first match since Lionel Messi's
international retirement
By DBORA REY
The Associated Press
C0RDOBA, Argentina (AP) --- Two goals in each half gave Argentina a comfortable
4--0 victory over Bolivia on Wednesday in the team's first match since Lionel
Messi announced his international retirement.
Lautaro Martnez opened the scoring in the 19th minute, Nicols Paz doubled the
lead in the 29th, Cristian Romero added a scored in the 54th and Jos Manuel
"Flaco" Lpez sealed the win in the 86th.
It was a reassuring performance for the Albiceleste, who were returning to
action for the first time since their World Cup final defeat to Spain in extra
time.
The 39-year-old Messi stepped away from international duty last month, but he
will don the iconic No. 10 jersey one last time next Tuesday in a farewell
match against Benin in Buenos Aires. Messi played 207 games for Argentina and
is its all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, 21 of them in World Cups.
In Messi's absence, "Cuti" Romero captained the side. Before Messi's final
send-off, Argentina will host another friendly against Burkina Faso on Saturday.
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