Lionel Messi skipped Argentina’s final follow session on the eve of a World Cup qualifying match in Bolivia.
The 36-year-old Inter Miami striker left Argentina’s match in opposition to Ecuador late final week complaining of fatigue, which might influence coach Lionel Scaloni’s picks for Tuesday’s match in difficult situations at La Paz’ altitude of three,000 meters.
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Scaloni advised a news convention Sunday that he might go away a call on Messi till a couple of hours earlier than the match.
During Monday’s coaching, Messi sat on a chair near Scaloni and watched his teammates follow. He spoke to the coach as different gamers tried to adapt to the altitude and the faster velocity of the ball, which is a attribute that makes it so onerous for guests to win at Bolivia.
Scaloni gave no hints on the follow session on what he’ll do if Messi doesn’t play on the Hernando Siles Stadium in opposition to a staff that was battered 5-1 by Brazil final week in its opening recreation of South American qualifying.
Messi scored from a free kick to provide Argentina a 1-0 dwelling win in opposition to Ecuador in its first official worldwide since successful the World Cup final December.
The 2026 version of the World Cup within the United States, Mexico and Canada is increasing to a 48-team format. The main six groups in South America will safe a direct spot. The seventh-place staff will contest an intercontinental playoff for one more spot on the finals.
If Messi doesn’t play on Tuesday it is going to disappoint many Bolivians, together with a whole lot of native followers who turned out to welcome him to the nation Sunday night.
La Paz’ metropolis corridor sponsored an signal near the venue of the match with the Spanish inscription “Sos grande Messi” (You’re nice, Messi). The determination introduced criticism to mayor Iván Arias.
Messi has by no means scored in La Paz, however has eight objectives in 11 matches in opposition to Bolivia. If the star striker performs and scores on Tuesday, he’ll overcome Luis Suárez of Uruguay because the all-time main objective scorer in South American World Cup qualifying.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com