Messi's Decision: Will He Play Against Bolivia?

Lionel Messi's participation in Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Bolivia was in doubt after he was substituted in the closing minutes of their previous match against Ecuador. Messi, who scored the only goal in that game, asked to be taken off the field due to fatigue, sparking concerns about his physical condition. However, medical tests ruled out any serious injuries, and Messi travelled with the Argentina squad to Bolivia. The final decision on whether he would play was left to the coach, Lionel Scaloni, who stated that Messi's inclusion would depend on his fitness.

Messi's fitness to play

Lionel Messi's fitness to play against Bolivia has been a cause for concern and speculation. The 36-year-old Inter Miami star has been showing signs of fatigue, having played 12 games in 48 days, averaging a game every four days. Messi himself acknowledged his tiredness, stating: "I came off because I was tired. I'm sure it's not going to be the last time it happens."

Despite these concerns, tests have revealed that Messi is not carrying an injury. He trained with the Argentina squad and travelled to Bolivia with his teammates. However, it was noted that he trained differently from the rest of the squad.

The final decision on whether Messi would play against Bolivia was expected to be made by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni during a pre-match press conference. Scaloni stated that Messi would travel to Bolivia, but the decision on whether he would play would be made closer to the game.

There was a possibility that Scaloni might opt to rest Messi and allow him to return to Inter Miami, despite the player not having any apparent injuries. This decision could be influenced by the demanding schedule Messi has faced recently and the potential benefit of a break.

Younger players were suggested as possible alternatives to take on Bolivia, such as Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho, Lucas Beltrán of Fiorentina, and Brighton winger Facundo Buonanotte.

Bolivia's high altitude

The thin air and low oxygen levels at high altitudes can cause a range of physical effects on the human body. The air pressure decreases as altitude increases, resulting in thinner air and reduced oxygen availability. This means that the lungs have to work harder to receive the same amount of oxygen, leading to faster and deeper breathing. It can take several days or even weeks for a body to adjust to high altitude and low air pressure. The higher the altitude, the more intense the effects, and the greater the risk of altitude sickness and other related complications.

Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level, gender, or age. However, it is important to note that alcohol consumption can exacerbate the effects of altitude sickness. Over 3,000 metres, one drink has the same effect on the body as three drinks at sea level, and it can cause dehydration and a significant loss of oxygen in the blood. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid alcohol consumption when at high altitudes.

To prevent and manage altitude sickness, it is recommended to stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, and avoid overexertion. Gradual ascent is also advisable, as ascending too rapidly can increase the risk of altitude sickness. Coca leaves or coca tea are commonly recommended in Bolivia and Peru as a way to prevent altitude sickness, although their effectiveness is not scientifically proven. Soroche pills (Diamox pills) and chlorophyll drops are also suggested as preventive measures. If symptoms occur, descending to a lower altitude, resting, and seeking medical attention if necessary are recommended.

Messi's impressive form

Lionel Messi's impressive form has been a consistent feature of his illustrious career. Even in the latter stages, the 36-year-old has proven time and again that he is still one of the best players in the world. His recent performances for his new club, Inter Miami, and his national team, Argentina, underscore his enduring brilliance.

Messi has hit the ground running since joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, bagging 11 goals in as many games. He has been instrumental in the team's success, propelling them to the top of the league standings. Messi's impact was immediate, as he came off the bench to score a stunning free-kick in his debut against Cruz Azul.

The Argentine icon's impressive form is not limited to his club career. He has been a pivotal figure for Argentina, leading them to a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Messi scored the winner with a classic free kick, showcasing his unmatched talent. This was just five games after winning the sport's most prestigious trophy, highlighting his unwavering excellence.

Messi's performance against Ecuador was not an isolated incident. He has consistently delivered dazzling displays for Argentina, such as his dominant showing against Venezuela. On that evening, he inspired his side to victory, earning delirious plaudits from the fans in attendance. Messi's impact extends beyond individual performances, as Argentina remains in pole position in the South American qualifying group.

However, there have been moments where Messi's form has dipped, such as during a 1-1 draw with Bolivia in La Paz. The challenging high-altitude conditions affected his performance, along with the Bolivians' effective tactics. Despite this, Messi has generally maintained his exceptional standards, consistently dazzling fans and opponents alike.

As Messi continues to defy the odds and perform at the pinnacle of the sport, his impressive form serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication, talent, and longevity. With his impact on both club and international stages, he remains an indispensable asset and a source of inspiration for his teams.

The possibility of younger players taking on Bolivia

Lionel Messi is a name that needs no introduction in the world of football. The 36-year-old Argentine, who recently joined Inter Miami, has been churning out incredible performances, scoring 11 times and creating five assists in his first 11 games for the side. However, the intense schedule has taken a toll on the veteran forward, and it was decided that he would not travel with the Argentina squad for their World Cup qualifier against Bolivia.

While Messi's presence on the pitch was missed, the game presented an opportunity for younger players to step up and showcase their talent. Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho, Lucas Beltrán of Fiorentina, and Brighton winger Facundo Buonanotte were among those who could have been given the chance to fill the void left by Messi. These young players have the potential to be the future of Argentine football, and a game against Bolivia could have been a valuable experience for them.

Playing in La Paz, Bolivia, presents a unique challenge due to the high altitude of nearly 4,000 meters. The thin air can affect players' stamina and endurance, and it is a well-known advantage for the Bolivian team, who are accustomed to these conditions. For young players, this could have been an especially difficult test, but also a valuable lesson in adapting to different environments.

While it is unclear if any of these younger players were included in the final lineup, the absence of Messi presented an opportunity for other squad members to shine and prove their worth. The game ended in a 3-0 victory for Argentina, with goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Nicolas Gonzalez. This result maintained Argentina's unbeaten start to the World Cup qualifiers, showing that they can still perform well even without their superstar captain.

Although Messi was not on the pitch, he was allowed to be on the bench as a coach, showcasing his ongoing involvement with the national team. This raises an interesting possibility for the future, as Messi could potentially transition into a coaching or managerial role when he eventually retires from playing.

Messi's potential return to Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami has been a fruitful one so far. The 36-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down, scoring 11 goals in as many games for the club, and his impact has been immense. Inter Miami are top of the table with 62 points and are on pace for the Supporters' Shield. With the addition of Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, the club has strong Barcelona reunion vibes under their former coach, Gerardo 'Tata' Martino.

Messi's leadership and on-field prowess have been evident, and he has already led Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory just months after his arrival. They also reached the U.S. Open Cup final, narrowly missing out on another title. His individual performances have been stellar, with 27 goals and 17 assists in 30 games across all competitions. This has resulted in Messi being the top-selling jersey in the MLS, with Inter Miami one of only two teams with four players in the top 25.

However, there have been concerns about Messi's physical fitness and workload management. He has averaged a game every four days since joining Inter Miami, and at 36, he is showing signs of muscle fatigue. This was evident when he asked to be substituted in Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Ecuador, raising injury concerns. Despite tests ruling out any significant issues, the frequency of these niggles could impact his availability for Inter Miami.

The club will need to carefully manage Messi's fitness, especially with the unique travel and climate conditions in North American soccer. With the MLS Cup and other silverware within reach, Martino and Messi will need to work together to ensure the Argentine legend is ready for the challenges ahead.

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