Argentina vs Bolivia: Preview, predictions and lineups
The Argentina Bolivia friendly in Córdoba is Argentina’s first outing without Lionel Messi, with Cristian Romero set to captain as Lionel Scaloni experiments ahead of Messi’s October 6 farewell. Sports Illustrated tips a 3–0 win, with Nico Paz and Lautaro Martínez expected to lead the attack.
Key Takeaways
- Messi sits out vs Bolivia and Burkina Faso; his farewell vs Benin is Oct. 6 at the Monumental.
- Cristian Romero is the new captain; the No. 10 shirt stays unassigned until after Messi’s goodbye.
- SI’s predicted 4-4-2 features Nico Paz and Lautaro Martínez; the score tip is Argentina 3–0.
- Kickoff is evening in Córdoba (9 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST); free on Telefe in Argentina.
When and where is Argentina vs Bolivia?
The friendly is at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba. Per Sports Illustrated, kickoff is 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST on Oct. 1. FourFourTwo lists 9 p.m. ART / 1 a.m. BST.
Capacity is reportedly under 30,000 after FIFA sanctions tied to fan chants at the World Cup. It is the first of three friendlies this window, before Burkina Faso and Messi’s farewell against Benin.
Who starts for Argentina without Messi?
Scaloni named a 28-man roster, but Juan Foyth and Thiago Almada withdrew injured. Nicolás Tagliafico has a muscle issue and was not fully ruled out for the Bolivia match. Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina are serving lengthy suspensions after post-final controversy.
SI’s predicted lineup (4-4-2): E. Martínez; Giay, Romero, Li. Martínez, Medina; Simeone, Mac Allister, Fernández, González; Paz, La. Martínez. Senior names such as Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are expected to feature more prominently for Messi’s farewell next week.
Scaloni told reporters the iconic No. 10 will not be handed out until after Messi’s farewell, with Paz among those tipped alongside Julián Álvarez and Franco Mastantuono. For more on how national teams blend tradition and data-driven squad building, see our Future Tech & AI Wonders hub.
What is the prediction for Argentina vs Bolivia?
Argentina has won 30 of 42 meetings with Bolivia. Bolivia last beat the Albiceleste in 2017 and has never won in Argentina. Ranked near the high 70s globally, Bolivia travels poorly, while Argentina seeks to reassure fans after a World Cup final loss to Spain.
Sports Illustrated predicts Argentina 3–0 Bolivia. FourFourTwo tips 2–0. Scaloni said these games are “to experiment,” while keeping a ball-control core, as he talks about extending his deal toward 2030.
In the U.S., SI lists Fanatiz, fuboTV, TyC Sports Internacional, and ViX. FourFourTwo notes free coverage on Telefe in Argentina and Globoplay in Brazil.