On a stunning eight-game scoring streak, Lionel Messi had hoped to lead Argentina into one of the toughest venues in the world as the defending World Cup champions visit Bolivia in CONMEBOL qualifying.
Messi is enjoying his longest-ever goal streak for his country and was last held off the scoresheet against Poland the final group-stage match of last year's World Cup. It includes every single World Cup knockout game, three post-World Cup friendlies, and his most recent outing, a 1-0 victory over Ecuador to begin 2026 World Cup qualifying.
Extended even further, Messi has scored a goal in 13 of 14 international matches, an incredible run of form for the all-time great.
Yet Tuesday he won't get a chance to extend that streak, or break his Bolivia goose egg. The Inter Miami star has not been included in the matchday squad in La Paz, which is notorious for its extreme elevation, making it a house of horrors for opponents.
Messi has never scored in La Paz, despite having bagged eight career goals against Bolivia, the most of any CONMEBOL side.
Argentina look a shoo-in for World Cup qualification as FIFA has expanded the field far beyond where the defending champs would be in danger of a slip-up, so instead of attempting to erase a personal gap, he has been rested while others look to shine in his place.
LIVE BLOG: Follow along with highlights & commentary as Argentina take on Bolivia in La Paz
Bolivia vs Argentina match facts
- Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023
- Kickoff Time: 4 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. BST / 6 a.m. AEST (Wed, Sep. 13)
- Location: Estadio Hernando Siles (La Paz, Bolivia)
- Official: Esteban Ostojich (URU)
- Last meeting: Argentina 3-0 Bolivia (Sep. 9, 2021 | 2022 World Cup qualifying)
MORE: Can Lionel Messi lead Inter Miami to an improbable MLS playoff berth?
Bolivia vs Argentina prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Argentina (-175)
- Score prediction: Bolivia 0-1 Argentina
While Brazil were installed as enormous favourites last week against Bolivia, and delivered in a dominating 5-1 victory, the same respect has not been shown to Argentina.
There are a few factors at play here. Bolivia play far better in their fortress at La Paz, Argentina play a far more defensive-minded style than Brazil, and Lionel Messi's status is up in the air due to a slight injury. Put all those together, and this match has been tabbed as likely to feature far fewer goals than Friday's game.
| BOL win | Draw | ARG win | Both teams to score Y / N | Over / Under 2.5 goals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM (USA) | +475 | +1350 | -175 | -118 / -120 | -133 / -108 |
| Sports Interaction (Canada) | 5.50 | 3.98 | 1.50 | 1.80 / 1.80 | 1.76 / 1.95 |
| BetOnSports (UK) | 11/2 | 10/3 | 1/2 | 10/11, 10/13 | 17/20, 19/20 |
| Unibet (Australia) | 6.20 | 4.25 | 1.55 | 1.87 / 1.89 | 1.81 / 2.00 |
| Dafabet (India) | 6.20 | 3.84 | 1.47 | 1.94 / 1.76 | 1.84 / 1.86 |
Bolivia vs Argentina: best bet
- Pick: Under 2.5 goals
- Odds: -108 (BetMGM)
The elevation of La Paz — nearly 12,000 feet above sea level — has thwarted countless opponents in the past, even greats like Argentina. While Bolivia tasted defeat to the tune of a lopsided 5-1 scoreline against Brazil, there are multiple factors working against Argentina in this match.
They already play a defensive style no matter the venue, especially against South American opponents. Including last week's win over Ecuador, Argentina have seen the 2.5 goal under hit in seven of their past 10 World Cup qualifying matches, and all three of those overs hit the minimum three goals required.
Add in the altitude, and it's a true test for the Albiceleste. Last time here in 2020, Messi was held off the scoresheet, and Argentina scraped by with a 2-1 victory on a 79th-minute winner from Joaquin Correa. Before that, in 2017, Argentina fell 2-0 with Messi out due to suspension.
Bolivia aren't likely to score, but it will be tough sledding for Argentina as well.
Bolivia vs Argentina prop bet
- Pick: Julian Alvarez anytime goalscorer
- Odds: +210 (BetMGM)
While Lionel Messi would have been a great bet to find his first La Paz goal had he been involved, he's instead been completely rested by Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, not even in the 18-man squad for today's match despite making the trop to Bolivia.
Instead, Angel Di Maria captains the Albiceleste, while Julian Alvarez has been deployed up front. At the moment, you can get Alvarez to score at sensational odds, with lineups only just confirmed. The Man City youngster has four goals in his last seven starts for Argentina, and will be heavily involved today at elevation.
Bolivia vs Argentina live stream, TV channel
Individual nations within CONMEBOL will have broadcast agreements in place with domestic operators, with TyC Sports covering this fixture in Argentina.
This match will not be available as things stand for most of the territories listed above. However, fans in select regions of the world can stream the game live on FIFA+, including in USA, Japan, Brazil, Indonesia and Thailand.
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