Messi landed at La Paz, 3,650 meters above sea level, in less than ideal health.He and the Argentina squad are preparing to face Bolivia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Messi and Argentina face Bolivia in the second match of the South American 2026 World Cup qualifiers on September 13 at 3 a.m. at Estadio Hernando Siles away field in La Paz.This is a site with a height of 3,650 m above sea level, and the thin air can quickly lead unfamiliar players to feel short of breath and have difficulties breathing…

Before the encounter against Bolivia at La Paz, 3,650 meters above sea level, Messi was granted a rest to replenish his fitness.

Previously, the World Football Federation (FIFA) prohibited the conduct of events at stadiums higher than 2,500 meters in elevation, preventing Bolivia’s Estadio Hernando Siles stadium from hosting World Cup qualifying matches for a while.However, FIFA raised the altitude to above 3,000 m a few months later, allowing the Estadio Hernando Siles stadium to get special authorization to host events again.

Brazilian forward Neymar called the decision “inhumane” when he uploaded a photo of Brazilian players wearing oxygen masks before participating against Bolivia un the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

Messi had a lot of bad experiences at Estadio Hernando Siles.He used to travel here with the Argentina squad during World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia, such as the dreadful 1-6 loss in April 2009.Then came a 1-1 tie in March 2013 and a hard-fought 2-1 victory in October 2020, both under coach Lionel Scaloni.This is also Messi’s and Argentina’s sole victory over Bolivia at La Paz in recent years.”I personally believe it is impossible to play football in La Paz,” Messi famously declared after playing there.

Midfielder Mac Allister posted a photo of having to use an oxygen tank to breathe when arriving in La Paz

The Argentine Football Federation has provided each player with a personal oxygen tank. Messi had only one victory, one draw, and two losses with Argentina against Bolivia in La Paz.Even in the zenith of his career, when he came here to play, this 36-year-old great “achieved” the round number 0: 0 goals and 0 assists.

Messi had to go to the hospital for a check-up after scoring the only goal for Argentina in a 1-0 victory over Ecuador on September 8 due to his poor health.Nonetheless, he chose to fly the entire team to La Paz to prepare to battle against the Bolivian team.

To assist players deal with the thin air in La Paz, the Argentine Football Federation has arranged a portable oxygen tank for each player.Messi’s participation on the pitch is still up in the air.According to TyC Sports channel (Argentina), on September 11, this superstar continued to not exercise, and the remaining players barely practiced for a brief time.

“Messi will certainly play,” TyC Sports channel journalist Gaston Edul stated, “but he can only play from the bench or in just one round to protect his health.”