Argentina will kick off a trio of home friendlies this international window by taking on Bolivia, with the fixture set for Wednesday night at Córdoba’s Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium.
The match comes as Argentina’s first outing since a narrow 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup Final. Despite that final disappointment, the world champions enjoyed a commanding run through the summer tournament, beating England 2-1, Switzerland 3-1 and Egypt 3-2 in the knockout phase on their way to the decider. Across their last nine games, they have won eight, underlining their structural strength and the firepower of their attacking unit as they aim to bounce back.
Argentina team news
This game marks the start of Argentina’s post-Lionel Messi chapter. After announcing his international retirement following the World Cup, Messi is being held back for a special farewell fixture on October 6 against Benin, meaning his famous No. 10 shirt will not be assigned for this Bolivia friendly. In his absence, defender Cristian Romero has been confirmed as the new captain, having already been third in the previous leadership pecking order behind Messi and Nicolás Otamendi.
Manager Lionel Scaloni is working with a reshaped group for this first friendly. Juan Foyth and Thiago Almada have been ruled out of the entire three-match set because of injuries, while Nicolás Tagliafico is questionable with a muscle strain.
Experienced midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are also being rested for the opening two games as part of the squad rotation.
These absences give Scaloni room to test different ideas, including deploying Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez together from the outset—a forward pairing he had largely avoided before.
Younger options such as Nicolás Paz and Agustín Giay are expected to feature prominently as the coach evaluates the next wave of players for La Albiceleste.
Argentina predicted lineup
Possible Argentina starting XI: Rulli; Giay, Romero, Medina, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, Palacios, Barco, Paz, Alvarez; Martinez
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 12 am on Thursday, 1st October.
How to watch Argentina vs Bolivia?
For viewers in the UK and Ireland, the Argentina vs Bolivia friendly will be shown live on Premier Sports 2 as part of the broadcaster’s coverage of all three Argentine home friendlies in this window.
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