Messi-less Argentina rises to Bolivian altitude challenge

LA PAZ, Bolivia — Argentina expected a tough battle in the altitude of La Paz — the world's highest national capital at 3,600 meters above sea level. The World Cup champion's climb appeared even steeper with Lionel Messi out of the lineup.
Argentina still beat Bolivia 3-0 on Tuesday in its second qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup.
It's now two wins from two in qualifiers for coach Lionel Scaloni's team, which was led by veteran Angel Di Maria and a strong midfield performance.
Uruguay had the chance to join Argentina atop the standings, but lost 2-1 at Ecuador. The Ecuadorians now have moved back to zero; they started the tournament at — 3 after having three points deducted by FIFA for the falsification of birth information of defender Byron Castillo, who is of Colombian origin.
Later on Tuesday, Chile drew 0-0 at home to Colombia, while a late Marquinhos goal earned Brazil a 1-0 win over Peru in Lima.
The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada is expanding to a 48-team format. The top six teams in South America will each secure a direct spot. The seventh-place team will contest an intercontinental playoff for a berth.
Argentina defined the match in the first half with two goals, kept its pace in the second half and added a third near the final whistle. A red card for Bolivia's Roberto Fernandez in the 39th minute also made it less troublesome for the Argentinians.
Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring in the 31st from close range after a low cross by Di Maria from the right. The veteran striker also played a part in the second goal — sending a freekick into the penalty box in the 42nd minute for Nicolas Tagliafico to score with his shoulder.
Nico Gonzalez added Argentina's third in the 83rd with a crossed shot from the edge of the box that passed to the right of goalkeeper Billy Viscarra.
Messi applauded the goals from the sidelines in a stadium where 14 years ago he saw Argentina get hammered by the host 6-1.
"The altitude is psychological," Di Maria told journalists after his team's victory.
Messi, the 36-year-old Inter Miami star, was neither in the starting lineup for the World Cup champions nor on the bench. Last week, he scored a freekick to give Argentina a 1-0 home win against Ecuador in its first competitive international since winning the World Cup last December.
"He was not up to playing ... he did not feel comfortable," Scaloni said. "We did not take risks."
Messi's absence disappointed many Bolivians, including hundreds of local fans who turned out to welcome him to the country on Sunday evening.
A goal in each half from defender Felix Torres erased Ecuador's points deficit in the standings.
Uruguay opened the scoring in the 38th minute with Agustin Canobbio from close range in one of the few moments that Ecuador did not dominate the first half.
Torres equalized with a header in first-half stoppage time.
Ecuador and its physical game continued to thrive against a young Uruguayan team in the second half. A quick play by 16-year-old Kendry Paez on the left flank ended in a low cross and Torres scoring again in the 61st.
The second goal gave relief to a crowded Casa Blanca Stadium in Quito. Eleven minutes earlier, striker Enner Valencia missed a penalty.
"What matters is that we did not get desperate," Valencia said. "This is our first victory and we will keep making ourselves stronger here."
Also on Tuesday, Venezuela beat Paraguay 1-0 with a goal from the spot by Salomon Rondon moments before the final whistle. It was the 33-year-old striker's 40th goal for his national team. The next games in South American World Cup qualifying will be played in October.
Agencies Via Xinhua
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