Home Football Lionel Messi skips from Argentina’s Final Training Session Prior to World Cup Qualifier in Bolivia

Lionel Messi skips from Argentina’s Final Training Session Prior to World Cup Qualifier in Bolivia

Football — 09/12/2023

Bolivia’s LA PAZ (AP) – On the eve of a World Cup qualifying game in Bolivia, Lionel Messi skipped Argentina’s final practice.

The 36-year-old Inter Miami striker was forced to leave Argentina’s game against Ecuador late last week after complaining of exhaustion. This could have an impact on Lionel Scaloni’s selections for Tuesday’s game in difficult conditions at La Paz’s altitude of 3,000 meters.

Argentina's Lionel Messi walks after national soccer team practice in La Paz, Bolivia, Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. Argentina will face Bolivia for a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026, in La Paz, on Tuesday (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

At a press conference on Sunday, Scaloni said he might decide on Messi a few hours before the game.

Messi sat on a chair next to Scaloni during Monday’s practice and observed his teammates in action. He spoke with the coach as the other players tried to adjust to the higher altitude and the faster ball speed, which makes it so difficult for visitors to win in Bolivia.

At the practice, Scaloni made no mention of what he would do if Messi was unable to play against a squad that had just lost 5-1 to Brazil in its opening match of the South American qualification series.

Argentina defeated Ecuador 1-0 at home in its first official international match since winning the World Cup in December thanks to a free-kick goal by Messi.

A 48-team format will be used for the World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada in 2026. The top six South American clubs will be guaranteed a direct place. For a second chance at the finals, the team that finished in seventh place will compete in an international playoff.

Argentina's Lionel Messi, center, walks with his teammates after a national soccer team practice in La Paz, Bolivia, Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. Argentina will face Bolivia for a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026, in La Paz, on Tuesday (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

Many Bolivians, especially the hundreds of local supporters who came out to welcome him to the country on Sunday evening, will be disappointed if Messi doesn’t play on Tuesday.

The city of La Paz sponsored a sign that read “Sos grande Messi” (You’re magnificent, Messi) close to the game’s location. Iván Arias, the mayor, received criticism for his choice.

While he has eight goals in 11 games versus Bolivia, Messi has never scored at La Paz. The star striker would surpass Luis Suárez of Uruguay as the all-time highest goal scorer in South American World Cup qualifying if he plays and scores on Tuesday.