Mastantuono stars as Argentina begin new era with 4-0 Bolivia win

Franco Mastantuono returned to Argentina duty with a standout display as Lionel Scaloni’s side opened their new cycle by beating Bolivia 4-0 in Córdoba.

Argentina v Bolivia: key facts

The Fiorentina forward was handed a prominent role in Argentina’s first match after the 2026 World Cup, with Scaloni using the home friendly to begin integrating younger players into his plans.

Mastantuono, 19, had been left out of Argentina’s final 26-man squad for the World Cup and admitted the omission had hurt deeply. The former River Plate player nevertheless backed the group throughout the tournament and said their campaign had given the country reason to celebrate.

“Missing the World Cup squad was difficult,” Mastantuono said. “But I was always supporting my teammates and Argentina. They made Argentinians proud. Now there is a new process beginning and I feel well, with the chance to be involved.”

The attacker said his summer move from Real Madrid to Fiorentina had revived both his confidence and his sharpness. He also praised Scaloni for allowing him freedom on the pitch.

“He lets me play freely and I’m grateful for that,” Mastantuono said. “Since moving to Italy, I have felt very good and my life has changed a little.”

Scaloni called for patience around the next generation, specifically highlighting Mastantuono, Leonel Flores and Nico Paz. The Argentina coach said young players must be protected and developed carefully if they are to fulfil their potential for the national side.

Argentina will recover in Córdoba before facing Burkina Faso in the second match of their three-game home schedule. Benin will provide the final opposition of the window, with Mastantuono targeting another place in attack. Bolivia will now regroup ahead of their own upcoming international fixtures.