Argentina cruise past Bolivia ahead of Lionel Messi farewell

Lautaro Martinez, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero and Jose Lopez were on target as Lionel Scaloni's side recorded their 15th victory in their last 16 internationals.

The friendly was Argentina's first match since their World Cup final defeat in July and came with the team preparing for Lionel Messi's farewell appearance against Benin on October 6.

Martinez opened the scoring before the half-hour mark. The Inter Milan striker collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area, waited for space to open up and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.

Paz then produced one of the highlights of the night.

The Como midfielder raced onto Exequiel Palacios's defence-splitting pass before lifting a composed finish over Guillermo Viscarra for his second international goal.

Paz turned provider shortly after the restart, delivering an outswinging free-kick which Romero met with a powerful header that went in off the post.

The Argentina captain was immediately substituted as Scaloni made a triple change.

The changes disrupted Argentina's rhythm, but they continued to threaten and Lopez completed the scoring late on.

The substitute had seen an earlier effort ruled out for offside before battling to win the ball inside the penalty area and poking it into the net for his first Argentina goal.

Scaloni was pleased that his side maintained their identity despite making several changes.

"I believe that the identity of the national team is to string passes together, to collectively create scoring opportunities," the Argentina coach said.

"The challenge is to continue playing this way, and for the younger players to understand that this is the way to play. Our idea is to dominate the matches."

Scaloni also called for patience with Argentina's emerging players, including Leonel Flores and Franco Mastantuono.

"We ask the guys who come to the national team to do what they do at their clubs," he said. "We have to take care of Leo Flores, because he, like Franco, is young and we have to nurture those talents."

The coach also praised the more experienced members of the squad for setting the standard for the younger players.

"I liked everyone's work, especially the guys who have more experience," Scaloni added.

Argentina will now face Burkina Faso before ending the international window against Benin, when Messi is expected to make his final appearance for his country.

The win also extended Argentina's run against Bolivia to four successive victories without conceding. Bolivia, meanwhile, suffered a fifth straight defeat.

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