Rout Against Bolivia in Córdoba
The first match of this window took place on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba. Argentina claimed a 4-0 victory over Bolivia in a contest that featured several regular starters while also offering playing time to players from across different generations.
Lionel Scaloni's squad set out to control possession and probe for openings against an opponent that sat deep for long stretches of the game. The breakthrough came via an Alexis Mac Allister assist to Lautaro Martínez, who slotted it into the far post to make it 1-0.
Argentina maintained control and quickly found more space. Nicolás Paz doubled the lead, while Cristian Romero extended the advantage. The fourth and final goal was netted by José Manuel López to seal the rout. The 4-0 triumph gave the national team an emphatic start to this FIFA international window.
A Historic Rout Against Burkina Faso
Three days later, on Saturday, October 3, Argentina took the pitch again, this time at the Monumental. Facing Burkina Faso, the Albiceleste once again displayed overwhelming attacking firepower, cruising to a 7-0 victory.
The match kicked off at a blistering pace. Just minutes in, Lautaro Martínez had a penalty saved by the African goalkeeper, but the striker pounced on the rebound to make it 1-0. The second goal followed shortly after: Julián Álvarez received the ball inside the box and, after a deflection off defender Moumouni Diallo, found the back of the net.
In the 12th minute, Gianluca Prestianni struck the third with a thunderous effort, turning the match into a blowout. Before halftime, Nicolás Paz brought down a long pass inside the penalty area and finished clinically to make it 4-0. Minutes later, Julián Álvarez struck again to stretch the lead to five.
In the second half, Franco Mastantuono scored the sixth, celebrating his first senior international goal for Argentina. In the closing stages, Giuliano Simeone sealed the 7-0 final scoreline. The result matched one of the largest blowout victories of Lionel Scaloni's tenure, extending Argentina's dominant run while showcasing an impressive variety of goalscorers.
The Goals Against Burkina Faso
1-0: Lautaro Martínez
2-0: Julián Álvarez
3-0: Gianluca Prestianni
4-0: Nicolás Paz
5-0: Julián Álvarez
6-0: Franco Mastantuono
7-0: Giuliano Simeone
Two Matches, 11 Goals, and a National Team with Fresh Faces
The two friendlies produced an unmistakable takeaway: Argentina scored 11 goals while conceding zero. Furthermore, the scoring duties were distributed across several players, a dynamic Scaloni has actively sought during this squad transition. Lautaro Martínez scored in both fixtures, while Nicolás Paz, Julián Álvarez, and other young talents also made key impacts.
The series provided a glimpse into an evolving national team integrating fresh talent following a golden era defined by the core leaders who guided Argentina to Copa América, Finalissima, and World Cup glory.
The Final Match: Messi's Farewell
The FIFA window still has one defining chapter left. On Tuesday, October 6, Argentina will take on Benin once again at the Monumental, marking Lionel Messi's farewell match with the national team.
The captain sat out the first two friendlies and traveled home specifically to play his final match in the Albiceleste shirt. The AFA is preparing a landmark tribute to honor him, featuring several of his fellow World Cup-winning teammates.
With a 4-0 win over Bolivia and a 7-0 thrashing of Burkina Faso, Argentina enters the final fixture of the window with 11 goals scored and none conceded. Yet all eyes will be fixed on an unforgettable evening: the final time Lionel Messi dons the iconic No. 10 jersey for the Argentina national team.
