Lionel Messi Is Fatigue, Possibility Of Not Playing When Argentina Faces Bolivia In The 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Argentine national team player, Lionel Messi. (Photo: Twitter @Argentina)

JAKARTA - The Argentine national team will face Bolivia when the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Lionel Messi is doubtful.

Messi was hit by an issue of exhaustion. The news about the condition of the Inter Miami player has been spreading since the last few weeks.

Since joining Inter Miami last July, he has played 12 times with clubs and the national team in a span of 49 days.

Messi had declared himself fine and will continue to play as long as possible earlier this month. But when Argentina bent Ecuador last week, he himself asked to be replaced in the 89th minute.

This is allegedly a signal that the star is starting to feel tired. Messi was also doubtful about going down against Bolivia, on Wednesday, September 13 in the morning WIB.

Moreover, the match will be held at La Paz which is located 3650 meters above sea level which will demand physical and maximum stamina.

In addition, it is also reported that Messi is already absent from training with the Argentine national team. This further strengthens the rumors that the player is not in a fit condition.

"Leo (Messi) was tired of the last match and asked to be replaced. But we don't need to talk to him before the game. We will see the development of the situation," said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, quoted from ESPN, Monday, September 11.

Scaloni certainly hopes to field the same team as against Ecuador. However, the captain's unsuitable condition is likely to change the starting line-up.

The figure of Messi is still very much needed by Albiceleste. Although not young anymore, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain players are often the determinants of the country's victory.

The proof is that he was the determinant of a 1-0 victory over Ecuador through his free-kick execution. He is also actively involved in attacks including creating opportunities.

With this performance, it is also predicted that Messi will still be included in the 2024 Copa America event which will be held in the United States on June 20 - July 14.