Lautaro Martinez Hails Messi Ahead of Argentina Farewell Against Benin
Argentina returned from their World Cup final defeat to Spain with a commanding 4-0 victory over Bolivia in Córdoba, where Lautaro Martínez set the result in motion before turning attention to Lionel Messi’s impending international farewell.
Lautaro drives Argentina’s response in Córdoba
At Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes on Wednesday night, Lautaro struck early with a low effort from outside the penalty area to give Argentina control. Nico Paz extended the lead before half-time, lifting a composed finish over the goalkeeper after a clever attacking move.
Cristian Romero, captaining the side in Messi’s absence, headed in Argentina’s third soon after the restart. José Manuel López completed the scoring late on from close range.
The opener carried further significance for Lautaro. It moved the 29-year-old to within one goal of Sergio Agüero, who occupies third place on Argentina’s all-time scoring list.
A new cycle retains its familiar standards
Argentina were playing for the first time since losing the World Cup final to Spain, but Lautaro said the squad’s competitive edge had remained intact following their return from the tournament.
“Wearing this shirt is always a wonderful feeling,” Lautaro said. “This is a new cycle and we are starting again. Those of us who have played in World Cups can bring that experience to the group.”
He added that the atmosphere within the squad had not altered after the World Cup: “We came back together and the energy is still the same.”
- Lautaro opened the scoring from outside the area.
- Nico Paz doubled the advantage before the interval.
- Romero’s header early in the second half ended any prospect of a Bolivia comeback.
- López added Argentina’s fourth goal late in the match.
- Argentina will meet Burkina Faso on October 3 before Messi’s farewell in Buenos Aires against Benin on October 6.
Messi farewell set to dominate October fixture
Attention now shifts to the Estadio Monumental, where Messi is due to make his final Argentina appearance against Benin on October 6. Lautaro expects an emotional occasion for a group that has spent much of the past decade alongside the captain.
“Tuesday’s match will be very emotional, special and important,” he said. “Hopefully we do not cry too much.”
Messi announced on August 31, 2026 that he would retire from international football after the World Cup, following the death of his father, Jorge. The Inter Miami CF forward will end his Argentina career having won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024 as well as the 2022 World Cup.
His international record stands at 125 goals in 207 appearances, including 21 goals at World Cup finals.
Key takeaways
- Argentina beat Bolivia 4-0 in Córdoba in their first outing after the World Cup final loss to Spain.
- Lautaro Martínez scored the first goal and is now one strike behind Sergio Agüero in Argentina’s career scoring standings.
- Nico Paz, Cristian Romero and José Manuel López also scored.
- Romero led the team as stand-in captain.
- The fixtures against Burkina Faso and Benin will frame Messi’s final international occasion at the Estadio Monumental.
