Argentina proved there could be life after Lionel Messi with a 4-0 rout of Bolivia last night.
Messi will play his farewell game next week against Benin after opting to retire from international football following this summer’s World Cup.
Boss Lionel Scaloni named a side that contained youth and experience for the game in Cordoba and his team shone, goals from Lautaro Martínez, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero and José López seeing them past a weak Bolivia side.
“It was wonderful to see so many young players enjoying themselves and singing the national anthem like any other player,” Scaloni said. “For any coach, it’s exciting to give a player their debut. For a national team coach, even more so, because you can see on the players’ faces what it means to play in this shirt.”
Scaloni also reserved praise for some of the older players, led by new skipper Romero.
“I like how the players approach the match, especially those who have been here for a while. They all come with a sense of joy, and they show it when they step onto the field.”
Paz the star as Argentina cruise
Paz occupied Messi’s role as chief playmaker and produced a hugely impressive display, the Como midfielder capping his performance with a lovely chipped finish to add to Martinez’s opener.
Romero’s header made it 3-0 before debutant Lopez notched his first goal for his country late on.
Lopez said: “I try to make the most of every opportunity the coach gives me. It’s an honour to play with the National Team. Very happy, luckily the goal came, the first one and it’s a gift from life.”
Argentina face Burkina Faso on Saturday night before the Benin clash on Tuesday on what is sure to be an emotional night in Buenos Aires.
The likes of Rodrigo De Paul and Gonzalo Montiel will return for the Benin game but Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Enzo Fernandez will miss out due to suspensions incurred during Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.
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