Argentina beats Bolivia 4-0 in its first match since Lionel Messi’s international retirement – WTOP News
- Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni officially confirmed that 28-year-old defender Cristian Romero will succeed Lionel Messi as the national team's captain. Scaloni announced the decision last week ahead of upcoming friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin.
- The appointment follows Lionel Messi's international retirement, marking the end of an era for the Albiceleste. Scaloni expressed confidence in Romero's leadership at the back, noting the defender has previously captained the side.
- Romero has served as captain in previous matches, including a 1-0 win over Chile in last year's World Cup qualifier and a 2-1 victory against Mauritania. He also wore the armband during a friendly versus Venezuela in October 2025.
- While acknowledging other candidates, Scaloni defended the choice, stating, "Cuti is the right one." He noted that Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Lautaro Martinez also possess the leadership experience to wear the armband.
- The matches against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin serve as the first test for Romero as permanent captain. These games mark the beginning of Argentina's preparations for the 2026 World Cup cycle under new leadership.
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Argentina beats Bolivia 4-0 in its first match since Lionel Messi’s international retirement – WTOP News
CÓRDOBA, 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
Winnipeg Free Press
Medicine Hat NewsArgentina beats Bolivia 4-0 in its first match since Lionel Messi's international retirement
CÓRDOBA, 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.
In its first game after being vice-champion of the World Cup, Argentina did not count on Lionel Messi, but saw the young promise Nico Paz command and Flaco López score for the first time in the goal for 4 to 0 against Bolivia, in friendly contested at the State
This Wednesday the Argentine team will return to the field for the first time after the World Cup final - last July-, which ended with the consecration of Spain as champion. The reason is a series of friendly people with a very special condiment: the third and last of them will be Lionel Messi’s official farewell to the albiceleste team. Hours before the first of the encounters, in which the 'scaloneta' will face Bolivia, the technician Lionel S…
El Vocero de Puerto Rico
Independent EspañolWith Casaca number 10 vacant, defender Cristian Romero as captain and Julián Álvarez joining Lautaro Martínez in the attack mark the new strokes of the current world runner-up Argentina that will face in a friendly Bolivia, in the...
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