Argentina began life without Lionel Messi with a 4-0 victory over Bolivia, with Como midfielder Nico Paz scoring a fine chip as the world champions prepare to say goodbye to their legendary captain.
Messi was absent as Argentina faced Bolivia in the early hours of Thursday morning. The team will again be without him when they play Burkina Faso at 1.00 BST in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The 39-year-old is due to return for what is expected to be his final appearance for Argentina against Benin at 00.00 BST on Wednesday October 7.
Paz, who has been identified as one of the candidates to inherit Messi’s iconic number 10 shirt after the captain retires from international football, impressed in his absence.
The 21-year-old scored Argentina’s second goal with a composed finish after Ezequiel Palacios released him inside the penalty area.
Palacios had also played a role in setting up Lautaro Martinez for Argentina’s opener before delivering another incisive pass for Paz. Paz reached the ball in the box and lifted a delicate finish over the Bolivia goalkeeper to put Argentina 2-0 ahead.
Argentina went on to complete a 4-0 win, maintaining their preparations for Messi’s final international appearance.
Several players from Serie A featured during the match. Alongside Paz and Martinez, Roma defender Leonardo Balerdi was involved, while Fiorentina’s Franco Mastantuono came on from the bench.
Juventus forward Nico Gonzalez and Roma’s Matias Soule and Santiago Castro were named among the substitutes but did not play.