Lionel Messi could not feature in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier duel against Bolivia because he “did not feel comfortable” playing, as Scaloni reported. The 36-year-old World Cup winner had fallen ill in 2013 after playing in a Bolivian stadium at a high altitude reaching approximately 4,000 meters above sea level.
Despite Lionel Messi’s absence, Argentina cruised past Bolivia in a seamless victory. The likes of Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Tagliafico and Nicols Gonzalez shone in the match, scoring one goal each. Angel Correa also takes up Lionel Messi’s mantle, wearing the iconic No. 10 jersey.
Who is Angel Correa wearing Lionel Messi’s No.10 jersey
The Argentina No. 10 Jersey will forever be a big shoe to fill for any Argentina player. To put into perspective, the iconic Diego Maradona and his successor Lionel Messi have set an incredibly lofty standard for upcoming No ten holders.
Lionel Messi could not play in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier game against Bolivia because Scaloni reported that the 36-year-old Argentina superstar ‘did not feel comfortable’ enough to feature. Scaloni further added that it was difficult for Messi to play at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level.
During Argentina’s World Cup qualifier win against Bolivia, Angel Correa wore Lionel Messi’s No. 10 jersey. However, it is said that this substitution is not uncommon in soccer, where players may wear the jerseys of their teammates if the need arises.
The Argentine forward, Ángel Martín Correa Martínez, born in 1995, is an Atletico Madrid player. He sometimes plays on the right wing for the club.
Angel Correa started his professional career at the young age of 18, playing for the Argentine club San Lorenzo. During his time with San Lorenzo, he achieved significant success by winning the Torneo Inicial in 2013 and the prestigious Copa Libertadores in 2014. In 2015, he moved to Atlético Madrid in La Liga, continuing his career in European football.
Argentina wins World Cup qualifier without Lionel Messi vs. Bolivia
Argentina did not need Lionel Messi in their match against Bolivia as they comfortably defeated the host. Argentina won with three goals in the match, with Enzo Fernandez’s goal in the 31st minute. While Nicolas Tagliafico and Nicols Gonzalez also netted in the 42nd and 83rd minutes, respectively.
Messi had initially led Argentina to victory in their previous game against Ecuador after scoring a free-kick goal at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. However, this match, he was enjoying the young players taking the charge to Bolivia. This game is a monument to the fact that the Albiceleste is not a one man show but a team effort and how each and every player is seasoned for the big leagues.
Let us know what are your opinions on the Argentine football team, post the era of Messi. Will another talisman emerge from the ranks or will Scaloni have to devise a new strategy for the team?
