Messi worked as assistant coach in the win over Bolivia
Scaloni did not include Messi in the registration list for the Bolivia - Argentina match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, on the evening of September 12. Therefore, according to regulations, the 36-year-old striker cannot enter the field as a player. According to TNT Sports, to be present, he filled out a registration form to become Scaloni's assistant. After that, Messi sat on the bench to cheer his teammates on until the end of the match.
"Messi takes on a new job after discovering a major flaw in FIFA," the Sun newspaper (UK) commented.
Without the captain's contribution, Argentina still beat Bolivia 3-0, with goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Tagliafico and Nicolas Gonzalez. This victory helps Argentina consolidate first place in the 2026 World Cup qualifying round in South America with six points after two matches. Messi and his teammates will rest until October 13 before hosting Paraguay.
Messi was not registered to play in the Bolivia match due to physical problems. Previously, at the end of the win over Ecuador on September 7, the 36-year-old striker asked to leave the field because he was tired. After the match, he admitted this could happen again many times.
Regarding the decision to sit the captain out, coach Scaloni said: "Messi is not ready to play. Yesterday, he tried to recover, but felt uncomfortable. We cannot take risks."
According to Sun, Scaloni may have considered having to play in thin air conditions in Bolivia when not registering Messi. With an altitude of 3,625 m above sea level and low oxygen levels, the city of La Paz is always a nightmare for players from other places, especially older players. When they first arrived in La Paz on September 8, Cristian Romero and Alexis Mac Allister both had to use portable oxygen tanks. In 2017, Neymar complained that the playing conditions at La Paz were "inhumane".
As a player, Messi once played with Argentina as a guest against Bolivia in four World Cup qualifiers. They lost to the home team with a score of 1-6 in 2009, drew 1-1 in 2013, lost 0-2 in 2017 and won 2-1 in 2020.
With a break from the victory over Bolivia, Messi can be at full strength when he returns to the US to play for Inter Miami Club. He can enter the field in the match against Atlanta United on September 16. In 11 matches for the American club, Messi scored 11 goals and assisted five times. Inter Miami is currently six points behind the MLS Cup play-off group, but has played two fewer matches. Previously, Messi helped the new club win the Leagues Cup and reach the US Open final.
