Argentina is all set to play against Bolivia and the Albiceleste cannot be comfortable with the fact that they are not playing well in the world cup qualifying matches to Russia 2018. Argentina is placed third in the group and a defeat can push them out of the top four standings of the group and that can pressure them. Messi is the star striker who has to strike gold against Bolivia. Albiceleste had trouble playing in Bolivia due to the high altitude problem and arch rivals Brazil is sitting comfortable on top of the qualifying group standings.
Messi, Argentina will have new attack
Sergio Aguero is out of the match against Bolivia due to injury. Lucas Biglia, Mascherano, Higuain, Otamendi will not be available to play for Argentina against Bolivia due to yellow card suspension. Messi, Pratto and Di Maria would lead the attack for Albiceleste and Banega, mid fieldPerez and Pizzaro would support them midfield.
Argentina, Messi barely hangs on
At present, the Albiceleste is having a Messi dependency and everything just revolves around him. The team is not having a chemistry that syncs all players all together and every player has to take charge to support Messi. There is no tactical supremacy in the field for Albiceleste and they are barely hanging on in the field and there are not many chances created in the field.
The coach will have to ensure that mid field is supplying more balls up front and there should be a plan b if Messi gets tied up. There are many issues off the field with the federation that may be distracting the players but the coach has to ensure that the team does not lose focus to Russia 2018. There is no strong defending at back and injuries to Mercado and Mas would add to the woes in the match against Bolivia.
The talented Argentina had a laborious win over Chile that propelled them to third in the group standings.
Messi could face ban adding woes to Argentina
There are reports that Messi remonstrated with the match officials in the match against Chile and he can face a ban if Referee has reported him. Argentina superstar has been caught on camera hurling abuse at match officials Marcelo Vangasse and Dewson Silva.
Argentina has failed to beat Bolivia in Bolivia in the four out of the last five meetings that have taken place since 1973. Messi will have to be at his best to take his team to a comfortable position in group standings with a win.