Frank Christian
Lionel Messi is back with the Argentina national team, tasked with improving performance after a lackluster October international start. They are set to face Bolivia at home on Tuesday.
The Inter Miami forward returned from injury but could not change the outcome of the recent 1-1 draw against Venezuela, where the Albiceleste had only eight attempts on goal, one of which was Nicolas Otamendi’s early header.
This result has allowed Colombia the chance to claim the COMEBOL World Cup qualifying lead, although they faced a tough defeat in La Paz after being a man up for most of their match.
Bolivia has improved significantly, climbing to sixth place following three consecutive wins, including a surprising victory over a strong Colombian side. Though less effective on the road, they recently managed a victory against Chile.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on team news and confirmed starting lineups.
Lineups for Argentina vs. Bolivia: Confirmed Starting XI and Team Updates
Messi’s return is a boost for Argentina, yet several key players are sidelined due to injuries or fitness issues. Nico Gonzalez has an injury from his club Fiorentina, and Alejandro Garnacho, Marcos Acuna, and Paulo Dybala have withdrawn. Cristian Romero is back after serving a suspension.
Emiliano Martinez is unavailable as he is suspended for two matches. Alexis Mac Allister is part of the squad but was benched against Venezuela, while German Pezzella has recovered from a prior concern, and Gio Lo Celso is sidelined with an injury from the last match.
Coach Lionel Scaloni may consider reverting to some regular starters like Lautaro Martinez and Lisandro Martinez who missed the recent fixture.
Argentina Starting XI (4-3-3): Rulli (GK) — Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico — De Paul, E. Fernandez, Mac Allister — Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez.
Complete Argentina Roster:
Goalkeepers: Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Walter Benitez
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi, German Pezzella, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Julio Soler
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez, Giovani Lo Celso, Thiago Almada, Nicolas Paz, Facundo Buonanotte
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Valentin Carboni
In Bolivia, veteran goalie Carlos Lampe is out after an Achilles injury, leading to Guillermo Viscarra stepping up. Viscarra was impressive in the recent match with Colombia, making nine crucial saves.
Unfortunately, young defender Yomar Rocha and midfielder Hector Cuellar (suspended) are also missing, paving the way for Gabriel Villamil to likely take Cuellar’s place.
Bolivia Starting XI (5-3-2): Viscarra (GK) — Medina, Haquin, Suarez, Sagredo, Fernandez — Matheus, Villamil, R. Vaca — Terceros, Algaranaz.
Complete Bolivia Roster:
Goalkeepers: Bruno Poveda, Alejandro Torres, Guillermo Viscarra.
Defenders: Sebastian Alvarez, Roberto Fernandez, Luis Haquin, Diego Medina, Luis Paz, Jose Sagredo, Widen Saucedo, Marcelo Suarez, Pablo Vaca.
Midfielders: Daniel Camacho, Jeyson Chura, Victor Cuellar, Adalid Terrazas, Robson Tome, Ramiro Vaca, Gabriel Villamil.
Forwards: Carmelo Algaranaz, Lucas Chavez, Jose Martinez, Bruno Miranda, Enzo Monteiro, Jhon Velasquez.
Kickoff Time for Argentina vs. Bolivia
This qualifying match will be held at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina, starting on Tuesday, October 15 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here are the corresponding times in different regions:
| Date | Kickoff Time | |
| USA/Canada | Tue, Oct. 15 | 8 p.m. ET |
| Australia | Wed, Oct. 16 | 10 a.m. AEDT |
| UK | Wed, Oct. 16 | 1 a.m. BST |
| India | Wed, Oct. 16 | 5:30 a.m. IST |
Broadcast and Streaming Information for Argentina vs. Bolivia
Check out how to catch this World Cup qualifier across various regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | Universo | Fubo, Universo Now, Telemundo Deportes en Vivo, ViX |
| Canada | — | — |
| UK | Premier Sports 2 | Premier Sports |
| Australia | SBS | SBS On Demand |
| India | — | — |
