Despite being 36, Lionel Messi has been involved in more matches than most younger players in recent months. The Argentine superstar arrived in Florida to join David Beckham-owned MLS franchise Inter Miami in July, and the World Cup winner has shown everyone what he can still do at the highest level of the game by leading the club to their first-ever trophy since their inception.
The former PSG playmaker has been missing for Inter Miami in the team’s last two games due to his involvement with his country’s national team at the World Cup qualifiers. His absence from Argentina against Bolivia has sparked some concerns from Inter Miami fans about their star’s fitness.
Argentina coach details Inter Miami star’s absence from Argentina win vs Bolivia
Last-placed Bolivia hosted Argentina for their second World Cup qualifying match yesterday and suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the reigning World Champions. Although Argentina started the game without their star man Lionel Messi, they cruised to a 3-0 win, courtesy of goals from Enzo Fernandes, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Nico Gonzalez. Lionel Messi’s absence was a talking point after the game as Inter Miami fans were concerned their star man may be nursing an injury.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni quickly came out to debunk those concerns, stating that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner did not feel comfortable playing in the conditions in Bolivia. “Leo was not ready to play. Yesterday, he tried to recover, and he did not feel comfortable. We did not risk it. It was not necessary because important things are coming,” the World Cup-winning coach said.
Fortunately for the team, Messi’s absence did not stop Scaloni’s men from making it two wins in two games for their country, putting them at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table with Brazil, who also have six points in two games.
Lionel Messi caught enjoying Argentina vs Bolivia match from the sideline
While Messi didn’t make the squad to face Bolivia in Argentina’s second qualifying game, he was on the bench, cheering on his teammates as they beat Bolivia 3-0. The former Barcelona captain is known for being a team player, and his presence on the sideline against Bolivia was enough to inspire his teammates to make it two wins from two games to ensure they remain top of the CONMEBOL table.
Lionel Messi was pictured in high spirits, enjoying himself, as Argentina cruised to victory against bottom-placed Bolivia. The World Cup winner will now prepare to head back to Florida as Inter Miami are back in action in the MLS this weekend.
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