Wednesday, 17th June, 2026
Wednesday, 17th June, 2026
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Messi guides Argentina to 4-1 win over Bolivia

Argentina extends its unbeaten run at the Copa America as it storms to a commanding 4-1 win over Bolivia.

Lionel Messi, who made his 148th appearance to become Argentina’s most-capped player, starred with a brace while Papu Gomez and Lautaro Martinez also got on the scoresheet.

Erwin Saavedra pegged one back for Bolivia but it was not enough as Argentina wrapped up its group stage campaign with a resounding win.

The result sees Argentina remain on top of Group A with 10 points from four games, while Uruguay beat Paraguay to finish second with seven points. Paraguay is third with six, while Chile secured five points to earn a spot in the quarterfnal. Bolivia ends its campaign on zero points.

The Albiceleste continued to dominate possession and create chances against the worst team in the tournament, and Gómez was brought down by Ibáñez inside the box to win a penalty. Messi stepped up to the spot and scored with ease to make it 2-0.

Then came the goal of the match as Sergio Agüero played a gorgeous pass over the pass to put Messi one-on-one with the keeper, and the captain scored a gorgeous chip from outside the box for the third.

With the win and first place in the bag, Argentina didn’t get out of first gear in a second half that was still fun to watch as Bolivia tried to attack and score a consolation goal, which they got when Justiniano’s cross found Saavedra for a nice finish.

Argentina responded immediately with a goal for Lautaro Martínez to make it 4-1, and the Albiceleste had chances to make it five or six but the Bolivian defense managed to make some important blocks.

The final whistle came and Argentina are through with 10 points from four games, an impressive tally in what looked like a tricky group when the tournament began. Ecuador is up next in the quarterfinals next Saturday, and Argentina will be big favorites to advance to the semis.