Let’s take a look at the World Cup Qualifiers’ Player Ratings of this Bolivia vs Argentina match in La Paz. A game at more than 3.000 feet.
Every single time Argentina or any other squad visits Bolivia in La Paz, the 3.000 feet height plays an important role in the result. The Bolivian national team knows they have that major advantage playing in their favor regardless of the rival. This evening, Leo Messi’s Argentina struggled as they always do to get a victory in La Paz.
However, the visiting squad showed massive improvement during the second half compared to the first. Marcelo Moreno Martins scored the opening goal for Bolivia less than half an hour after the initial whistle in a collective effort.
Everybody could see how much the Argentina players struggled for air, but they never gave up despite the complicated situation. Lautaro Martinez scored the equalizer right before the break with a brilliant individual test of strength with two defenders covering him.
Messi owns the second half in La Paz.
If Argentina needed Messi for a specific match, this evening against Bolivia was the ideal moment. The Barcelona star proved he is feeling more comfortable by the minute with all his new teammates inside the squad. There were several important opportunities created by Leo during the second half as Argentina improved quite a bit compared to the first half.
Messi commanded a winning chance in which Correa scored the last goal of the game after Lautaro connected with the captain. With this final result, the skipper was the man of the match. Argentina ended this trip with two wins at the start of a long Qualifying round for the 2022 World Cup. Just as we expected, Argentina is one of Conmebol’s leading squads with Messi at the wheel.
Player ratings
Bolivia: Lampe (5), Valverde (6), Sagredo (6), Torres (4), Chumacero (6), Cardozo (6), Wayar (6), Castro (7), Carrasco (7), Martins (7), Saucedo (6).
Bench: Bustamante (9), Miranda (6), Cespedes (6), Orozco (5), Arabe (5).
Argentina: Armani (6), Otamendi (7), Tagliafico (7), Martinez (8), Montiel (7), Paredes (6), Ocampos (6), De Paul (6), Palacios (8), Messi (9), Lautaro (8).
Bench: Correa (8), Rodriguez (6), Dominguez (7).
Feel free to make your pick on player’s ratings and performances using the widget below.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Lionel Messi
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
