The news coming out of South America is that Lionel MESSI could be sanctioned.

Following Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup Qualifying win against Chile, Lionel MESSI was seen swearing at the third official. There were initial reports that MESSI could be sanctioned but Fox Sports Argentina reported that the referee did not include the altercation in his match report.

Report to FIFA:

However, news coming out of South America and Argentina is that the Chilean federation have sent the video of MESSI swearing to FIFA. The AFA have been notified and we will find out tomorrow if MESSI will play against Bolivia or not.

Argentina National Team coach Edgardo BAUZA spoke at a press conference on Monday.

Edgardo BAUZA took to the press ahead of Argentina’s upcoming World Cup Qualifier on Tuesday against Bolivia. The coach spoke about a number of topics including Lionel MESSI, playing at altitude, players and more. Here’s what he had to say:

The team:

“Since I took charge, the most important has been communicating with the players. To transmit my ideas. Generally speaking, I am happy with what we have done. We will get better with time. Argentina plays to win, we try to win every match and we plan according to the opponent. Defensively, the team played well against Chile, who didn’t create much.”

Against Bolivia and altitude:

“We want to win in La Paz but we know it’s not easy. Playing at altitude is difficult. Bolivia is going to play like they always do at home. They’ll attack from the wings. We have to play a smart match and not run from one side of the pitch to the other. The problem at altitude are the last 20 minutes. We have to see how we will be, both in terms of the play and physically. When we get to the altitude, we will give the players paracetamol (to relieve headaches) to avoid headaches.”

Javier PINOLA:

“PINOLA can play either as a center back or as a full back. He knows the group. I considered him as the best option.”

Lionel MESSI:

“We try to make MESSI feel comfortable. For the team to give him the ball where he can unbalance the opposition.”

World Cup qualification:

“My first goal is to qualify for the World Cup. After that, we’ll have more time to plan. In South America, it’s more difficult to qualify for the World Cup. It’s not easy, the players have pressure to win and they’re dealing with it well. Maybe they’re losing the ball but it doesn’t worry me too much because that is something that can be worked on.”

Paulo DYBALA:

“Paulo DYBALA’s club knows. He has recovered well and will make the bench.”

Argentina’s starting line-up for their World Cup Qualifier against Bolivia has Lionel MESSI with Lucas PRATTO up front.

When Argentina take the pitch on Tuesday against Bolivia, the starting eleven is expected to be massively different than the one which got a victory against Chile. Only four of the players who started in the 1-0 win will start the match in La Paz. Those four being Sergio ROMERO, Marcos ROJO, Angel DI MARIA and Lionel MESSI. Here’s the starting line-up:

The team:

ROMERO; RONCAGLIA, MUSACCHIO, FUNES MORI, ROJO; Enzo PEREZ, PIZARRO, BANEGA, DI MARIA; MESSI, PRATTO.

On paper, this seems a more balanced team than the one who played against Chile. Injuries and suspensions mean a different look to the team. An injury to Gabriel MERCADO (who was substitued off on a stretcher against Chile) means Facundo RONCAGLIA starts at right back. In the middle of the back line it’s Mateo MUSACCHIO and Ramiro FUNES MORI. An injury to Emmanuel MAS has Marcos ROJO start in his usual left back position for Argentina.

It’s a four man midfield as Enzo PEREZ starts on the wing. PIZARRO partners Ever BANEGA in the middle and Angel DI MARIA starts in his more familiar role on the wing.

Up front, there’s no rest for Lionel MESSI who starts again, this time with Lucas PRATTO.

Call-ups:

Argentina National Team coach Edgardo BAUZA made four call-ups to the team following the match against Chile. The first was annouced directly after the match and was that of striker Lucas ALARIO. The other two were Matias CARUZZO and Ivan MARCONE. There was a fourth player called-up in Javier PINOLA.

The last time Argentina played Bolivia in La Paz in 2013 where they managed to get a 1-1 draw through an Ever BANEGA goal. With BANEGA starting, Argentina will be hoping he can score again and this time have it be in a win.