La Albiceleste eyes a second win in the South American qualifiers, with captain Lionel Messi still facing uncertainty about his participation. The team aims to consolidate its early advantage after a tough start to the campaign.
Argentina navigated a challenging opener in the qualifiers, edging past Ecuador 1-0 at the Monumental stadium thanks to Messi’s decisive strike. The focus now shifts to a demanding road trip to La Paz, where they will confront Bolivia on the second matchday of the continental competition.
The South American qualifiers match
The clash is scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, kicking off at 5 p.m. local time at the Hernando Siles Stadium, a venue perched high in the mountains at an altitude of 3,577 meters above sea level.
Argentina’s roster for the encounter against Bolivia
Head coach Lionel Scaloni leaned on world champions for selection, with a few notable absences due to injuries including Paulo Dybala, Marcos Acuña, and Gerónimo Rulli, along with Papu Gómez. Lisandro Martínez was able to train after a minor setback in the Manchester United vs. Arsenal match, and Facundo Medina was added as a precautionary measure.
Four new players joined the fold, signaling a broader look at the squad as Javier Mascherano’s radar extends toward the 2024 Pre-Olympics. The newcomers are Lucas Beltrán, Alan Velasco, Lucas Esquivel, and Bruno Zapelli.
The squad list
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Franco Armani, Juan Musso, Walter Benítez
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Juan Foyth, Cristian Romero, Germán Pezzella, Nicolás Otamendi, Facundo Medina, Lisandro Martínez, Marcos Senesi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Lucas Esquivel
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Guido Rodríguez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios, Facundo Buonanotte, Bruno Zapelli
Forwards: Nicolás González, Alejandro Garnacho, Ángel Di María, Ángel Correa, Lucas Beltrán, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Thiago Almada, Alan Velasco, Lionel Messi
ARGENTINA TRAINING SESSION VS BOLIVIA
Argentina held a morning session in Ezeiza after the win over Ecuador. The coaching staff split the players into two groups: starters who trained in the gym and those with limited playing time who received additional work alongside several Under-23 reinforcements.
Additional practice was planned for Saturday and Sunday, following the coach’s media briefing ahead of the La Paz trip at 5:00 PM local time.
The main question the coach faces is whether Messi will travel to Bolivian soil. If he is not part of the delegation, the team will adapt accordingly. On Thursday, a moment of concern arose after the captain requested a substitution during the match. Even in the absence of an injury, fatigue from a heavy schedule with Inter Miami is a factor that cannot be ignored.