In the evening the Albiceleste has to go to La Paz. Bolivia’s ex-keeper doesn’t believe Messi will be used.
WHAT HAPPENED? Former Bolivian national goalkeeper José Carlos Fernández does not believe that superstar Lionel Messi will play for Argentina in the World Cup qualifier on Tuesday evening in Bolivia. While there is speculation that coach Lionel Scaloni could rest the Albiceleste captain after a stressful last few weeks, Fernández believes there would be other reasons for not being taken into account.
WHAT WAS SAID? The 25-time international said: “If you ask me, I prefer him to play. He played the two worst games in his career in La Paz. I saw him suffer. The altitude kills him psychologically. I think not that he will appear.”
WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND? La Paz, capital of Bolivia and venue for the game, is more than 3,500 meters above sea level. The thin air there traditionally makes it difficult for away teams who are not used to this altitude.
Messi and his Argentinians also had to experience this several times. In 2009 they suffered a legendary 6-1 defeat under Diego Maradona. In 2013 there was a 1-1 draw and in October 2020 they finally won their first win with a 2-1 in World Cup qualification.
Fernández also emphasized that he has great respect for Messi: “In my opinion, Argentina won the World Cup thanks to him. He wins the games when it suits him. That’s perfect.”
THE PICTURES FOR THE NEWS:
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A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS: Argentina successfully played its first game of World Cup qualifying, beating Ecuador 1-0 thanks to a Messi free kick. Bolivia, on the other hand, suffered a 5-1 defeat against Brazil last week.
2023-09-13 01:01:30
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