Argentina's first outing since the World Cup final
Argentina face Bolivia on Wednesday in Córdoba, marking their first match since the extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. According to SuperDepor.com, Lionel Scaloni has only one decision left in his starting XI: Valentín Barco or Franco Mastantuono in the advanced role. Kick-off is at 21:00 at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Colombian referee Jhon Ospina will take charge, and the match will be televised on TyC Sports and Telefe.[S1]
In defence, Agustín Giay and Facundo Medina would start at full-back, with Medina likely to replace Nicolás Tagliafico, who trained separately. In midfield, Exequiel Palacios would come in for Enzo Fernández, and Nicolás Paz would begin with a view to linking Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Elsewhere, Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Alexis Mac Allister are also in line to start.[S1]
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Messi's farewell and Bolivia's difficult spell
This FIFA window will be marked by Lionel Messi's retirement from international football, with his final Argentina appearance set for Tuesday 6 October against Benin at the Estadio Monumental. Bolivia arrive in a difficult spell, having lost to Iraq in the play-off for a place at the 2026 World Cup, then suffering further defeats, 4-0 to Scotland and Algeria and 2-0 against Paraguay. Head coach Oscar Villegas has yet to reveal his likely XI.[S1]
