The Argentina national team returned to Córdoba after more than four years and was greeted by a massive crowd of supporters, with tickets for the friendly against Bolivia sold out despite the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium operating at 50% capacity. The match, the first of three during this FIFA window, served as a tactical test for Lionel Scaloni and a chance for thousands of fans to witness the start of a new era.

The squad arrived in the city after 9 p.m. Following their final training session in Ezeiza. Around 500 people had been waiting since early morning outside the Quorum hotel, where the delegation stayed. The most applauded players were the Cordoba natives Cristian Romero and Julián Álvarez. At Romero's request, most of the team approached to sign autographs and take photos with fans, a gesture joined by Emiliano Martínez, Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martínez. Coach Scaloni also greeted the crowd.

A return under sanctions

Stadium capacity was halved as a result of FIFA sanctions for racist and discriminatory chants by Argentine fans during World Cup matches. The sanctioned games were against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, England and Spain. One stand at the Kempes was reserved exclusively for 8,000 children from local clubs, who entered for free. Stadium gates opened three hours before kick-off to manage entry and avoid last-minute crowds.

The absence of Lionel Messi, who had not yet arrived in the country and was expected between Sunday and Monday, delayed ticket sales for several days. Messi will play his farewell match for Argentina on October 6 against Benin. Around the stadium, vendors sold everything from replicas of the jersey Messi will wear in his farewell, with an embroidered badge, to stuffed bread and tortillas. Unofficial children's jerseys cost 25,000 pesos and adult versions 30,000.

Context and expectations

This match is a key moment as the team leads the World Cup qualifying standings with 9 points from three wins. Their last meeting with Bolivia, in October 2024, ended in a 6-0 rout in Argentina's favour. Star forward Lionel Messi is the top scorer this season with 8 goals in 8 appearances, according to our verified data.

For Cristian Romero, this game held special meaning. He played his first match in Córdoba as a player and captain of the national team. In 2016, he had made his Primera División debut at that same stadium wearing the Belgrano jersey, a club whose kit with the number 17 was common among fans packing La Voz del Interior avenue during the afternoon. Local authorities deployed a special operation with dedicated buses connecting the Municipal Plaza to the Kempes, as no regular line serves that route. The match was played under clear skies, with temperatures between 19 and 21 degrees, after a hailstorm and heavy rains caused damage in the city. The Argentina national team closed its return to Córdoba with a victory that strengthens its leading position on the road to the next World Cup.

The original report is at La Nacion AR Deportes