Bolivia is brimming with excitement as Lionel Messi arrives in La Paz ahead of Argentina’s World Cup qualifying game against the home team. However, the football legend’s participation in the match is uncertain due to fatigue. Argentina, along with Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia, secured victories in their opening games of continental qualifying last week, and all 10 South American teams are set to play their second matches on Tuesday.

Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, is considering a similar lineup to the one that triumphed over Ecuador, but Messi’s role might be decided last-minute. The game will be played at the challenging Hernando Siles Stadium, which is over 3,000 meters above sea level, posing a unique challenge, especially for older players. In contrast, Brazil, under new coach Fernando Diniz, is gearing up to face Peru with the same squad that won 5-1 against Bolivia, showcasing an intense style of play that has garnered attention.

The World Cup qualifiers in South America are heating up, with intriguing matchups set to unfold on Tuesday. Ecuador faces Uruguay in a crucial encounter, with Ecuador aiming to make up for their point deduction due to FIFA sanctions. Meanwhile, other matches include Chile hosting Colombia and Venezuela taking on Paraguay. The competition is fierce as teams vie for a spot in the expanded 2026 World Cup, with the top six South American teams earning direct qualification, and the seventh-place team competing in an intercontinental playoff for a berth.