One great era has come to an end, but Argentina showed from the very first step into a new chapter that it has no intention of losing its trademark winning mentality. In their first match since reaching the World Cup final, and their first game of the post-Lionel Messi era (although he will make a special appearance to say goodbye against Benin in six days), Argentina defeated Bolivia 4-0 (2-0) in Cordoba.It was Argentina’s first outing since their defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, but also the beginning of a period in which the national team will have to build a new identity without the man who represented its face, symbol and central figure for 20 years.⏱️ Full time in Cordoba!🇦🇷 Argentina 4 🆚 0 Bolivia 🇧🇴⚽ L. Martínez⚽ N. Paz⚽️ C. Romero⚽️ J. López pic.twitter.com/572KCcAD8S— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) October 1, 2026 However, there was little sentimentality among the fans at the "Mario Alberto Kempes" Stadium once the match got underway. Argentina imposed its rhythm from the opening minute, took control of possession and quickly demonstrated the difference in individual quality.The first goal of the new era was scored by the man who also netted Argentina’s final goal at the World Cup, the winner against England in the semi-final — Lautaro Martínez. The clock showed 19 minutes when Mac Allister produced a brilliant pass to split Bolivia’s defensive line and send Lautaro through virtually one-on-one with goalkeeper Viscarra.Argentina’s striker made no mistake, calmly finishing the move to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. With that goal, Lautaro moved level in third place on Argentina’s all-time scoring list with 41 goals. Batistuta has 56, while Messi leads the way with 125.🚨🌎 | GOAL: LAUTARO MARTINEZ OPENS THE SCORING FOR ARGENTINA!🇦🇷 Argentina 1-0 Bolivia 🇧🇴 pic.twitter.com/ELTQs3Kkp4— TheGoalsZone (@TheGoalsZone) October 1, 2026 Just a few minutes later, Argentina once again showed how dangerous they can be when they find space between the lines. This time, Palacios took on the role of provider, picking out Nico Paz with an excellent pass.The young Como midfielder, who will wear the No. 10 shirt for Argentina from the next international break instead of Messi, produced a moment that immediately caught the eye. Rather than going for power, he elegantly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper and found the net with a delicate lob to make it 2-0. It was arguably the finest moment of the first half and one of the moves that demonstrated Argentina still possesses plenty of creativity and technical quality in its new generation.🚨🌎 | GOAL: NICO PAZ DOUBLES THE LEAD FOR ARGENTINA!WHAT A SENSATIONAL FINISH!🇦🇷 Argentina 2-0 Bolivia 🇧🇴 pic.twitter.com/ZeRl4tFWcZ— TheGoalsZone (@TheGoalsZone) October 1, 2026 The second half brought another symbolic moment of the new era. Cristian Romero, making his first appearance as Argentina’s full-time captain, capped a huge occasion by scoring in front of the crowd in his home province.Following a free-kick cross from Paz, Romero reacted quickest inside the penalty area and headed home for 3-0. He celebrated the goal with plenty of emotion, which was hardly surprising given the circumstances: the captain’s armband, a match in Córdoba and the beginning of a new chapter for the national team all came together in a moment the defender will likely remember for a long time.🚨🌎 | GOAL: CUTI ROMERO MAKES IT THREE FOR ARGENTINA! WHAT A HEADER!YES, THE NEW CAPTAIN HAS SCORED!🇦🇷 Argentina 3-0 Bolivia 🇧🇴 pic.twitter.com/nKuxXx5LL6— TheGoalsZone (@TheGoalsZone) October 1, 2026 Argentina did not completely take its foot off the gas after the third goal. A fourth arrived late in the game, with the opportunity falling to Lopez, the Palmeiras forward. Boca Juniors player Leandro Flores had previously made a run towards Bolivia’s goal but was unable to finish the move. The ball then ricocheted around the penalty area several times before falling to Lopez, who made no mistake and scored his first goal for the national team on his eighth appearance.🚨🌎 | GOAL: FLACO LOPEZ MAKES IT FOUR FOR ARGENTINA!🇦🇷 Argentina 4-0 Bolivia 🇧🇴 pic.twitter.com/Rkxa0DGT7p— TheGoalsZone (@TheGoalsZone) October 1, 2026 Argentina will play their next friendly against Burkina Faso, followed by Messi’s farewell match against Benin.##NAJAVA_MECA_9997646##