Argentina vs Bolivia 16/10/2024 Lineups, Predictions and Team news
The match between Argentina and Bolivia is a fixture that often takes place in the context of South American football competitions, such as FIFA World Cup Qualifiers or the Copa América. These teams are both members of CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation.
Argentina
- Known for being one of the most successful footballing nations in the world, Argentina has won multiple World Cups (including the 2022 FIFA World Cup) and Copa América titles. They have produced some of the greatest footballers in history, like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
- Argentina is usually the stronger side in these matchups, boasting a deep pool of talent across all positions.
Bolivia
- Bolivia is considered one of the weaker teams in South America in terms of football. Their home stadium in La Paz, situated at a very high altitude (around 3,600 meters above sea level), often gives them an advantage because the altitude affects teams that are not used to it.
- Bolivia has won only one Copa América title, in 1963, and qualified for the FIFA World Cup just once, in 1994.
Key Factors:
- Home Advantage: If the match takes place in La Paz, Bolivia’s altitude can make it difficult for Argentina, or any team, to perform at their best due to the thinner air, which can cause fatigue more quickly.
- Argentina’s Attack: Argentina often brings a strong offensive lineup, typically spearheaded by top players like Lionel Messi, if he’s playing, or others such as Lautaro Martínez and Ángel Di María.
- Bolivia’s Defense: Bolivia typically adopts a defensive approach against stronger teams like Argentina, relying on counter-attacks and set-pieces.
Recent Meetings:
Argentina typically dominates this matchup, but Bolivia has pulled off surprising results at home due to the extreme altitude of La Paz. However, in more recent years, Argentina’s strength has seen them win both home and away fixtures.
Historical Context
The rivalry between Argentina and Bolivia dates back many decades, with their first encounter taking place in 1926. Over the years, the two nations have faced off in numerous competitive and friendly matches, with Argentina having a clear upper hand in terms of victories. While Bolivia has struggled to keep pace with Argentina’s footballing powerhouse, there are key moments where Bolivia has managed to surprise Argentina, particularly when they play at home in La Paz.
Argentina’s Dominance
Argentina has historically dominated their matchups against Bolivia. Argentina’s rich football history, tactical prowess, and world-class players give them a significant edge in most games. In World Cup qualifiers, Copa América tournaments, and friendlies, Argentina is often the favorite, and their playing style—marked by technical skill, creativity, and an attacking mindset—overwhelms Bolivia in most situations.
However, despite Argentina’s dominance, Bolivia has managed to pull off a few notable victories, especially in La Paz. The difference in altitude between Buenos Aires (Argentina’s capital) and La Paz (Bolivia’s capital) can be as much as 3,600 meters, a major factor in Bolivia’s advantage at home.
Bolivia’s Home Advantage in La Paz
Bolivia’s Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz is one of the most notorious stadiums in South American football due to its extreme altitude. Playing at over 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) above sea level presents physical challenges to players unaccustomed to such conditions. The lower oxygen levels can make it hard to breathe and increase fatigue, often giving Bolivia a surprising edge, even against stronger teams like Argentina.
A few notable moments in Bolivia’s football history have come from matches in La Paz. For instance, in 2009, Bolivia defeated Argentina 6-1 during a World Cup Qualifier, a historic upset that shocked the football world. Even Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players of all time, has struggled in La Paz. The altitude and unique conditions level the playing field and give Bolivia a chance to compete against teams that are typically much stronger.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Argentina
- Lionel Messi: Undoubtedly the standout player in this rivalry. Messi has faced Bolivia on numerous occasions, often serving as the key to breaking down Bolivia’s defense. However, even Messi has had difficulties playing in the altitude of La Paz, although he has scored and assisted in crucial moments against Bolivia.
- Ángel Di María: Another versatile player, Di María brings creativity and pace to Argentina’s attack, making him a threat both on the wings and in the center of the field.
- Lautaro Martínez: The young striker has emerged as a key forward for Argentina in recent years, and his ability to finish in the box makes him a constant danger.
Bolivia
- Marcelo Moreno Martins: The veteran striker has been Bolivia’s key player for over a decade. He has consistently been their top scorer in both Copa América and World Cup qualifiers. His experience and ability to score important goals give Bolivia some hope in tough matchups.
- Juan Carlos Arce: An experienced winger and attacking midfielder, Arce has often been a creative outlet for Bolivia. His dribbling and passing help orchestrate Bolivia’s counter-attacks.
Tactical Approaches
Argentina
Argentina typically plays a high-pressing, possession-based game, focusing on ball control, quick passing, and creative plays. Under coaches like Lionel Scaloni (current head coach as of 2024), Argentina has developed a more balanced approach, blending their traditional attacking flair with solid defensive organization. Messi’s role as a playmaker allows him to dictate the flow of the game, but Argentina’s squad depth means they have multiple attacking threats from different areas of the pitch.
When playing Bolivia away, Argentina often adapts to the altitude by conserving energy early in the match, knowing that the conditions can cause early fatigue. However, in recent years, Argentina has become better at managing these games, with key victories even in La Paz, which historically has been a tough place to win.
Bolivia
Bolivia usually adopts a defensive approach, especially when playing stronger teams like Argentina. They tend to sit deep, absorb pressure, and rely on counter-attacks. The physical demands of playing in La Paz mean that Bolivia tries to exploit the fatigue of their opponents, pushing for goals later in the match when the opposing team is tiring.
Bolivia often tries to keep the game tight and low-scoring, aiming to capitalize on set-pieces or moments of disorganization in the opposing defense. With Moreno Martins leading the attack, they look for opportunities to send long balls or crosses into the box.
Recent Encounters
In their World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign, Argentina and Bolivia faced each other twice:
- Bolivia 1-2 Argentina (October 2020, La Paz): Despite the challenging altitude, Argentina managed to win this game thanks to goals from Lautaro Martínez and Joaquín Correa. This was a significant victory, as Argentina historically struggles in La Paz.
- Argentina 3-0 Bolivia (September 2021, Buenos Aires): In this home match, Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick, leading Argentina to a comfortable victory. The performance was a masterclass from Messi, as he became the all-time top scorer in South American World Cup qualifiers.
Memorable Matches
While Argentina has been dominant in most of their encounters, there are several matches that stand out in the history of this rivalry. These games have become significant due to the circumstances, performances, or outcomes that defied expectations.
1. Bolivia 6-1 Argentina (April 1, 2009 – FIFA World Cup Qualifiers)
This match is often referred to as one of the biggest upsets in World Cup qualifying history. Argentina, coached by the legendary Diego Maradona, came into La Paz expecting a tough game due to the high altitude, but nobody foresaw such a shocking result. Bolivia scored six goals, completely dismantling Argentina, who could only manage a single goal in reply.
This loss became an infamous moment in Argentina’s football history, highlighting the challenges of playing in La Paz’s extreme altitude. Maradona, then in his coaching role, was visibly frustrated as his team struggled with the conditions. Bolivia’s Joaquín Botero scored a hat-trick, while Marcelo Moreno Martins and other players also contributed to the remarkable victory. For Bolivia, this win was one of their greatest triumphs, while for Argentina, it served as a humbling reminder of the unpredictable nature of football.
2. Argentina 3-0 Bolivia (June 14, 2021 – Copa América Group Stage)
This match took place during the Copa América 2021 in Brazil, where Argentina was the heavy favorite. Bolivia, facing one of the most in-form Argentina squads in recent years, struggled to keep up. Lionel Messi, once again at the heart of Argentina’s play, scored twice and assisted another, showing his mastery over South American opposition.
Argentina dominated from the outset, using their attacking prowess and superior technical ability to control the game. Alejandro Gómez also scored early on, and Bolivia never managed to threaten Argentina’s solid defense. This win solidified Argentina’s group-stage dominance, and they went on to win the Copa América tournament, which was Messi’s first major international trophy.
3. Bolivia 1-2 Argentina (October 13, 2020 – FIFA World Cup Qualifiers)
This was a notable victory for Argentina because it broke the long-standing myth that they couldn’t win in La Paz. Playing at the Estadio Hernando Siles, Argentina had not won a World Cup qualifying game there in over 15 years. The match began with Bolivia taking an early lead, with Marcelo Moreno Martins scoring for the home side.
However, Argentina’s resilience and improved tactics under coach Lionel Scaloni allowed them to come back. Lautaro Martínez equalized for Argentina after capitalizing on a defensive mistake, and in the second half, Joaquín Correa scored the winning goal. The match marked a turning point, showing that Argentina could win in the difficult conditions of La Paz.
This win was crucial for Argentina’s World Cup qualifying campaign for Qatar 2022, and it helped them build momentum. The victory was particularly significant as it demonstrated that Argentina had matured tactically, learning how to manage games under challenging conditions.
The Impact of Altitude on Bolivia’s Home Matches
As mentioned earlier, Bolivia’s home matches in La Paz are uniquely challenging for visiting teams because of the altitude. The thin air at 3,600 meters above sea level affects players’ stamina, oxygen levels, and overall performance. This is why Bolivia often relies on their home games to secure points in qualification tournaments, even when facing stronger opponents.
Many teams, including Argentina, have developed specific strategies to deal with the altitude. Some teams arrive early to acclimatize, while others choose to arrive at the last minute to minimize exposure to the conditions. Despite these efforts, many teams still struggle to play at their usual tempo or intensity in La Paz, leading to slower games and more cautious approaches.
For Bolivia, the altitude is a key factor in their tactical planning. The team tends to take advantage of the opposition’s discomfort, pressing high and pushing for goals late in the game when the opponents are fatigued. Bolivian players, more accustomed to the environment, can maintain their stamina longer, making them more competitive at home.
Argentina’s Tactical Evolution Against Bolivia
Over the years, Argentina has learned to adapt their tactics when playing in Bolivia. In past decades, Argentina would often approach matches in La Paz with an aggressive, high-pressing strategy that quickly wore their players down due to the altitude. However, in more recent years, under coaches like Alejandro Sabella and later Lionel Scaloni, Argentina has taken a more cautious and pragmatic approach.
Instead of focusing on overwhelming Bolivia with constant attacks, Argentina now aims to conserve energy, maintaining possession without rushing forward. They look to create chances through controlled build-up play and take advantage of Bolivia’s defensive lapses. In some cases, Argentina even allows Bolivia to have more possession, relying on their defensive organization and counter-attacks to score.
This change in tactics has helped Argentina secure better results in Bolivia, including their important 2020 win in La Paz.
Future of the Rivalry
Looking forward, the rivalry between Argentina and Bolivia will continue to play a role in South American football, particularly in the context of World Cup qualifiers and Copa América tournaments. Argentina remains one of the dominant teams in the region, but Bolivia’s performances in La Paz will always pose a unique challenge for visiting teams.
With Argentina continuing to produce world-class talent, they are likely to remain strong contenders in all competitions. The emergence of younger players such as Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and Lautaro Martínez means that Argentina’s football future looks bright, even as Lionel Messi enters the latter stages of his career.
For Bolivia, the challenge will be to develop a new generation of talent that can compete more consistently both at home and away. Players like Marcelo Moreno Martins have carried the team for years, but Bolivia will need fresh talent to rise if they are to qualify for major tournaments and challenge stronger nations like Argentina more consistently.
The Importance of World Cup Qualifiers
In South America, the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers are regarded as some of the toughest in the world. All 10 South American nations compete in a round-robin format, where each team plays home and away matches against the others. The long qualification process, combined with the varied climates, altitudes, and intense competition, makes every match crucial.
Argentina’s Role in Qualifying Campaigns
Argentina is historically one of the most successful teams in South America and often qualifies comfortably for the World Cup. However, they cannot afford to underestimate any opponent, including Bolivia. Each qualifying campaign is grueling, with teams like Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia also in the mix, and points gained in games against Bolivia become even more significant when striving for a top-four finish (which guarantees World Cup qualification).
Argentina generally fares well in these campaigns, especially in home matches. Their home advantage in venues like Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires is substantial. However, when traveling to Bolivia, the conditions—particularly the altitude in La Paz—make it one of the trickiest fixtures for Argentina. Even the most dominant Argentinian sides approach away games in Bolivia with caution, knowing that any slip-up could complicate their qualification hopes.
Bolivia’s Fight for Qualification
Bolivia, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle in every World Cup qualifying campaign. Since their only World Cup appearance in 1994, Bolivia has struggled to secure consistent results, especially in away matches, where their form often dips dramatically.
Nevertheless, Bolivia’s home matches in La Paz remain pivotal to their qualification hopes. For Bolivia, every point gained at home against stronger teams like Argentina, Brazil, or Uruguay represents a potential upset and a way to stay in the race for qualification. Bolivia tends to rely heavily on their results at home, as winning away games in South America is exceedingly difficult for them.
The results in Bolivia’s home matches often directly influence their standing in the table. A win against a heavyweight like Argentina, even if rare, can galvanize Bolivia’s campaign and build confidence within the squad. While Bolivia remains an underdog in most campaigns, their ability to surprise teams at home keeps them in the conversation for qualification, at least during the early stages.
Key Matches in the Qualifying Process
Throughout various World Cup qualifying cycles, the Argentina vs. Bolivia fixture has been pivotal for both teams. While Argentina typically secures comfortable home victories, their performances in Bolivia have fluctuated, with some of the most memorable matches coming in La Paz.
The 2022 World Cup Qualifying Cycle
As mentioned earlier, Argentina secured a crucial 2-1 victory in La Paz during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. This match was particularly important for Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, as he sought to build a cohesive unit capable of challenging for the World Cup. This victory in Bolivia set the tone for what would become a successful qualification campaign and ultimately led to Argentina’s triumph in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
For Bolivia, that loss was a significant blow, as it represented another missed opportunity to take points from a visiting giant. Despite their resilience in patches, Bolivia couldn’t hold off Argentina’s pressure, and their home advantage wasn’t enough to secure a result. Ultimately, Bolivia struggled in the qualifiers, failing to make a serious push for World Cup qualification.
Argentina’s Approach to Qualifiers in Bolivia
Over the years, Argentina has become more tactically sophisticated in dealing with the challenges of playing in Bolivia. Earlier in the rivalry, Argentina often approached games in La Paz with their usual aggressive, possession-based style, only to tire out due to the extreme altitude. Nowadays, Argentina tends to take a more conservative approach, focusing on controlling the tempo of the game, conserving energy, and picking their moments to attack.
In recent campaigns, Argentina has experimented with different squad rotations for away games in Bolivia, sometimes resting key players or fielding a more physical, defensive lineup to cope with the environmental conditions. With greater tactical flexibility, Argentina has improved their results, as evidenced by their recent victory in La Paz.
Bolivia’s Strategy: Defending Home Turf
For Bolivia, the strategy against teams like Argentina revolves around maximizing their home-field advantage. The altitude allows Bolivia to employ tactics that might not work in lower-lying stadiums, such as playing a high-tempo, pressing game that forces the visiting team to expend more energy.
Bolivia’s defense often plays a key role in these encounters, as they tend to sit deep and invite pressure from Argentina. They focus on breaking up Argentina’s possession, relying on physicality and aggressive marking to disrupt Argentina’s creative players like Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María.
On the attacking side, Bolivia tries to capitalize on set pieces and quick counter-attacks. Long-range shots are another strategy, as the altitude can alter the flight of the ball, making it difficult for goalkeepers to judge. Bolivian players like Marcelo Moreno Martins are crucial in these situations, acting as target men in the box or as focal points for counter-attacks.
Despite their defensive approach, Bolivia knows that simply sitting back won’t always be enough to get a result against Argentina. They need to push forward when possible, using the physical toll of the altitude to their advantage, particularly in the later stages of the match when Argentina’s players might start to fatigue.
Bolivia’s Road to Building Future Success
For Bolivia, developing their national football program and cultivating a new generation of players is critical if they are to consistently challenge teams like Argentina. While veterans like Marcelo Moreno Martins have carried the national team for years, Bolivia has struggled to produce young talents capable of competing at the highest level. Their domestic league, while competitive, lacks the financial investment and scouting networks found in other South American countries like Brazil and Argentina.
Bolivia’s football federation has begun efforts to improve youth development programs, aiming to produce players with the technical and tactical skills necessary to compete both regionally and internationally. Bolivia’s success in the future will depend on building a team that can not only win at home but also compete away from La Paz.
Rivalry in Copa América
The Copa América, South America’s prestigious international tournament, has also seen memorable encounters between Argentina and Bolivia. Though Argentina generally has the upper hand, the tournament format—short and intense—allows for more unpredictable outcomes.
Bolivia won their first and only Copa América title in 1963, a tournament hosted by them, which allowed them to leverage their altitude advantage to maximum effect. Although Bolivia hasn’t been a serious contender in most Copa América editions since, they’ve had moments of brilliance, particularly in group-stage matches against stronger teams.
Argentina, on the other hand, has won the Copa América 15 times (as of 2024), and their meetings with Bolivia usually serve as early group-stage matches where Argentina can build momentum. The most recent edition, in 2021, saw Argentina defeat Bolivia 3-0 on their way to winning the tournament. Lionel Messi was instrumental in that victory, scoring two goals and leading his team to their first Copa América title since 1993.
Despite Bolivia’s struggles in these tournaments, their presence adds to the rich tapestry of South American football, and they remain a team capable of delivering upsets, especially when underestimated.
Rivalry Through the Lens of Lionel Messi’s Career
Lionel Messi’s encounters with Bolivia are particularly noteworthy. Although he has enjoyed personal success against Bolivia, including several goals and assists, La Paz has been a challenging venue even for a player of his caliber. Throughout his career, Messi has been visibly affected by the altitude in Bolivia, as have many other top players, but his determination to lead Argentina to victory often shines through.
Messi’s most iconic performance against Bolivia arguably came in the 2021 Copa América, where his two goals and one assist in Argentina’s 3-0 win underscored his importance to the national team. This performance was part of a larger narrative in which Messi finally achieved his dream of winning a major international trophy with Argentina after years of heartbreak in finals.
His battles against Bolivia will be remembered as part of the broader story of his international career, where he faced and overcame many different challenges in his journey to cement his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Final Thoughts:
The rivalry between Argentina and Bolivia is one of contrasts—Argentina, a footballing giant with a rich history of success, and Bolivia, a team that fights for every point, especially in the challenging conditions of La Paz. While Argentina usually has the upper hand, Bolivia’s unique home advantage and occasional upsets make this a fixture filled with intrigue. For Argentina, matches against Bolivia are an opportunity to assert their dominance in South American football, while for Bolivia, these games represent a chance to defy the odds and gain valuable points in qualification campaigns. The dynamic between these two nations will continue to evolve, and future encounters will undoubtedly add new chapters to this fascinating rivalry.
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