Argentina thrash Bolivia 4-0 in Messi's absence

Argentina achieved a significant victory over their Bolivian counterparts, winning 4-0, early on Thursday, in a match held at the "Mario Alberto Kempes" stadium in Córdoba. This was the first appearance for the Albiceleste since their defeat in the FIFA World Cup final against Spain.

The match saw the absence of star and historic captain Lionel Messi, who announced his retirement from international football at the end of August. He is preparing to play his final match with Argentina against Benin on October 6. Cristian Romero wore the captain's armband during the match against Bolivia.

Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring early with a shot from outside the box, before Nico Paz added a second for Argentina before the end of the first half, scoring brilliantly from close range. In the second half, Cristian Romero extended the home side's lead with a third goal from a header, before José Manuel López capped off the four-goal haul with a shot from close range.

Lionel Messi holds the record for the most appearances and goals for the Argentina national team, with 207 matches and 125 goals, including 21 goals in the FIFA World Cup. Argentina are preparing to face Burkina Faso in a friendly on October 3, ahead of a tribute match for Messi against Benin on the sixth of the same month.