Lionel Messi has traveled to Bolivia for Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers, but head coach Lionel Scaloni is unsure whether the 36-year-old will be able to play.
Messi was substituted late on in Argentina’s 2-1 win over Ecuador last week, in which the Argentina captain scored the decisive free-kick.
The decision to withdraw Messi with only a one-goal lead sparked fears that he had suffered an injury. Messi has been an ever-present for Inter Miami since making his debut in July, making 11 appearances for MLS in just over six weeks.
Lionel Scaloni warns that Lionel Messi is “tired”
There has been a suggestion that Messi will be dropped from Argentina’s squad ahead of Tuesday’s game against Bolivia. Scaloni has now confirmed that Messi traveled with the team to La Paz, but admitted that he may not be fit to start.
“Leo was tired the next day and asked to be substituted,” explained Scaloni.
“But it’s not necessary for us to talk to him before games. We will see how it goes.”
The game in Bolivia is one of the most challenging in international football, as it is played at more than 3,000 meters above sea level. Scaloni has indicated he wants to name an unchanged squad but may be forced to make substitutions for fitness reasons.
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