Messi-Less Argentina Battered!

Argentina Tuesday night slumped badly, 0-2 to Bolivia on the day-one of Lionel Messi’s four-international match ban.

The score line dented Argentina’s World Cup qualifying hopes. Having to struggle against the high altitude in Laz Paz venue of the match, Argentina arrived dejected after being informed that their talisman, Lionel Messi had been banned from the match.

Juan Carlos Arce gave Bolivia the lead in the 31^st minute as he headed the ball past Argentina’s goalkeeper, Sergio Romero as Argentina struggled to find rhythm in the first half.

Adapting to the altitude proved to be too much, with Argentina players visibly fading within 30 minutes of the match.

Their fortunes received further blow when Ramiro Funes Mori had to be carried off after a knee injury.

Within eight minutes of the restart the Argentineans were two goals down as Marcelo Moreno doubled the lead.