Argentina’s Messi farewell takes shape after Bolivia win and No. 10 setback

---

Argentina beat Bolivia 4-0 at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba, a night that also sharpened the country’s plans for Lionel Messi’s international farewell.

Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring from outside the box, Nico Paz added a second before halftime, Cristian Romero headed in a third early in the second half, and José Manuel López finished the scoring late.

The result came with Messi preparing for his last appearance before Argentine supporters. He is set to play in a friendly against Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6.

Argentina had wanted to retire Messi’s No. 10 shirt permanently after his international retirement, but FIFA regulations block that move because squad numbers in international final tournaments must run from 1 to 26. The team has not publicly announced who will wear the shirt next, although one report says Nico Paz has been chosen internally if Lionel Scaloni stays on as coach.