While Tata MARTINO has confirmed that Lionel MESSI will play against Bolivia, he did not state that he will start.
According to media reports, this will be Argentina’s starting XI against Bolivia on Tuesday:
ROMERO; FUNES MORI, CUESTA, OTAMENDI, RONCAGLIA; KRANEVITTER, BANEGA; LAVEZZI, LAMELA, AGUERO; HIGUAIN
Reports from journalists close to the National Team are stating that Lionel MESSI will start against Bolivia on Tuesday.
MARTINO is likely to go with a line-up which consists of a mixture between starters and substitutes. Augusto FERNANDEZ, Nicolas GAITAN, Marcos ROJO and Javier MASCHERANO are all on yellow cards and are one card away from missing Argentina’s next match.
There were some suggestions that Sergio AGUERO could start ahead of Gonzalo HIGUAIN.
Possibly another injury concern for Argentina, this time with Gabriel MERCADO. MERCADO had to leave training due to thigh strain. His participation in the last group match against Bolivia is up in the air but looks like he could miss it. Facundo RONCAGLIA would be his substitute.
Lucas BIGLIA trained normally with the rest of the squad and his recovery is going well. It would be a massive surprise if BIGLIA were to start against Bolivia but if he is fit, could see some minutes.
Angel DI MARIA did some running in the last training session but will not be available for the match on Tuesday.
FIFA has a look at Diego MILITO’s career where he talks about Racing Club, winning the Champions League and the Argentina National Team.
Nicolas GAITAN and Marcos ROJO talked to the media in a press conference on Sunday. GAITAN spoke about the team while ROJO was more about MESSI. Here’s what was said:
Nicolas GAITAN:
“Panama was a difficult opponent. They had the team to complicate things for us. I didn’t like the rough play. I’m not the best player but I go out and try to do my best to help my team mates. There’s no preference over the possible opponent in the quarter finals.”
Marcos ROJO:
“We’re happy for MESSI’s return. And with 3 goals!”
Talking about Lionel MESSI’s beard, ROJO joked:
“Many people have beards. I think Leo has copied OTAMENDI, hah!”
