Argentina Thumps Bolivia with a 'Quartet'
The Argentine national team crushed Bolivia 4-0 in their first match without Messi, as preparations continue for the upcoming clash against Burkina Faso.
Translated by Qiyas from النهار — Original source
Argentina, the runner-up at the World Cup in North America, thrashed their Bolivian counterparts 4-0 in their first match without retired international star Lionel Messi, at the Mario Kempes Stadium in Cordoba. Lautaro Martinez (19th minute), Nicolas Paz (29th), captain Cristian Romero (53rd), and Jose Manuel “Flaco” Lopez (86th) took turns scoring the Albiceleste’s four goals. Messi, aged 39, retired from international football last month, but will wear his famous number 10 jersey for the final time next Tuesday in a farewell friendly against Benin in the capital, Buenos Aires. In their first match since losing the World Cup final to Spain 1-0 after extra time, Argentina displayed glimpses of beautiful football with a squad bolstered by new faces. The three-time world champions continue their preparations with two additional friendlies, facing Burkina Faso before Benin on October 3 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
