Argentina vs Bolivia Preview

Match Detail	Information
Match	Argentina vs Bolivia
Competition	International Friendly – FIFA International Window
Date	30 September 2026
Venue	Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Córdoba, Argentina
Kick-off	5:30 AM IST, 1 October

Match Preview

Argentina will face Bolivia in an international friendly at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba on 30 September. The match is part of Argentina's three-game home schedule during the September-October FIFA international window. The Argentine Football Association has confirmed a 9:00 PM local kick-off, which is 5:30 AM IST on 1 October.

The fixture will be Argentina's first match since the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Scaloni's team will use the friendly to assess players and tactical combinations, while Bolivia will look to gain valuable experience against strong opposition.

Team Form

Argentina: Argentina are returning to international action following their 2026 World Cup campaign. The team is entering a new phase of preparation, with several players being assessed during the September-October friendly schedule.

Bolivia: Bolivia are also using this international window to prepare their squad. Their previous friendly against Paraguay ended in a 2-0 defeat, and they will now face Argentina in Córdoba.

Team News

Lionel Messi is not expected to feature against Bolivia. The Argentina squad is instead being used to assess other options, with Messi expected to return for the October 6 friendly against Benin. Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are also scheduled to join the squad for that final match.

Argentina completed their final training session before travelling to Córdoba, where Lionel Scaloni worked on tactical variations, defensive and attacking movements and set-piece situations.

Key Players to Watch

• Lautaro Martínez – Argentina: The experienced striker will be an important attacking option in Messi's absence.
• Enzo Fernández – Argentina: His passing and ability to control midfield could be important for Argentina.
• Nicolás Paz – Argentina: The young attacking midfielder is one of the players who can provide creativity between the lines.
• Miguel Terceros – Bolivia: His technical ability and attacking movement could provide Bolivia with an outlet in transition.
• Enzo Monteiro – Bolivia: The forward will be looking to challenge Argentina's defence and create opportunities.

Head-to-Head

Argentina have historically had the stronger record against Bolivia, although Bolivia's home conditions have often made their meetings more competitive. This friendly will provide another opportunity for both teams to evaluate their squads outside a competitive qualification fixture.

Tactical Battle

Argentina are expected to dominate possession and attempt to create chances through their midfield and wide attacking areas. Without Messi, greater responsibility could fall on players such as Lautaro Martínez, Enzo Fernández and Nicolás Paz.

Bolivia are likely to focus on defensive organisation and quick counterattacks. Maintaining a compact shape and taking advantage of set pieces could be important if Argentina control possession for long periods.

Match Prediction

Argentina have home advantage and possess considerable depth even without Messi. Bolivia will look to remain organised and make the most of their attacking opportunities, but Argentina are expected to control much of the game.

Predicted Score: Argentina 2-0 Bolivia

Conclusion

Argentina vs Bolivia marks Argentina's return to international football following the 2026 World Cup. With Messi absent from this fixture, the match provides an opportunity for other players to take greater responsibility. Bolivia will aim to make the contest competitive, while Argentina will look to begin their new international cycle with a positive performance in Córdoba.