Argentina’s Álvarez-Martínez Partnership Shines in Bolivia Rout
Argentina used Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez together from the start in Wednesday’s 4-0 friendly victory over Bolivia at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium, with the Inter forward scoring the opening goal in the 18th minute. The pairing again showed its potential in Lionel Messi’s absence as Lionel Scaloni continues to shape the side’s next attacking cycle.
Why the partnership matters for Argentina
| Match detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Argentina result | Argentina 4-0 Bolivia |
| Álvarez-Martínez starts without Messi | 11 |
| Martínez Argentina goals | 18 |
| Martínez substitution | 73rd minute |
| Álvarez attacking-third passing | 33 completed from 39 attempts |
| Martínez passing | 24 completed from 30 attempts |
The Bolivia match was the 11th occasion on which Álvarez and Martínez had started as a front two during Argentina’s post-Messi period. Every one of those starts has come in a game Messi did not play, underlining the differing balance Scaloni has sought when his captain is unavailable.
Martínez operated nearest the Bolivia penalty area, while Álvarez regularly moved into deeper positions to connect midfield and attack. Their rotation helped create the first goal: Martínez struck right-footed beyond goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra after 18 minutes, then celebrated with his fellow striker.
It was Martínez’s 18th goal for his country, moving him into third place on Argentina’s all-time scoring list behind only Messi and Gabriel Batistuta. The Inter Milan forward remained a persistent reference point against Bolivia’s defensive line before being replaced by José López in the 73rd minute.
Scaloni’s balance question
Scaloni has stressed that selecting two elite central forwards is a strength, but not one that automatically fits every match plan. His concern is retaining the side’s structure, particularly in games where Argentina expect to have long spells of possession against stronger opposition.
The coach accepted responsibility for previous selections in which one of Álvarez or Martínez had been left out. He said the team’s balance must not be lost, although having both players on the field does not necessarily create that problem in every situation.
Álvarez completed the full match and moved wider during the latter stages. His involvement in the final third was especially notable, as he completed 33 of 39 passes there for an 85 per cent success rate. Martínez recorded 24 accurate passes from 30 attempts, an 80 per cent return.
Next friendly
Argentina remain in their home international window and are due to face Burkina Faso on Thursday. The second friendly offers another opportunity for Scaloni’s staff to assess the movement and combination play of Álvarez and Martínez as the champions work on their attacking identity without Messi.
