Four goal rout of Bolivia marks Argentina's first steps into post-Messi era

Argentina opened a new chapter without Lionel Messi by thrashing Bolivia 4-0 at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Cordoba on Thursday, with Cristian Romero wearing the captain's armband for the first time as Lionel Scaloni's side moved on from their World Cup final defeat to Spain.

Lautaro Martinez broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, latching onto a pass from Alexis Mac Allister before finding the net from the edge of the box, the first goal of what both players and supporters are already calling Argentina's post-Messi era.

Nico Paz doubled the lead ten minutes later, racing onto a defence splitting ball from Ezequiel Palacios and lifting a delicate finish over the advancing goalkeeper, continuing a breakout period for the Como midfielder on the international stage.

Romero made his first appearance as captain count in the 54th minute, rising above the Bolivia defence to head home Paz's delivery in his home province, an emotional moment he marked before being substituted and handing the armband to Emiliano Martinez.

Jose Manuel Lopez completed the scoring in the 85th minute, pouncing on a scramble inside the box to tap in his first senior international goal moments after having an earlier effort ruled out for offside, rounding off a dominant display.

Argentina controlled proceedings throughout, enjoying close to 70 per cent possession and firing in as many as 18 attempts on goal, though wasteful finishing and a string of saves from the Bolivia goalkeeper meant the scoreline undersold their superiority.

Franco Mastantuono came closest to adding further gloss after replacing Romero, twice going close in the closing stages, while Lautaro Martinez also squandered a presentable chance created by the young forward before the final whistle.

The result marks the first match of Argentina's September to October international window, with Messi still set to bid farewell in his final appearance against Benin on October 7, before Scaloni's side face Burkina Faso next Sunday.