Lionel Messi’s struggles in Bolivia: La Paz’s high altitude Is Kryptonite for Argentina Star

Lionel Messi loves playing against Bolivia.

He has scored eight goals against them in his career, including a hat-trick in their last meeting in Buenos Aires in 2021.

What the Argentine star doesn’t like is playing in Bolivia and dealing with the country's extreme altitude.

Sports Brief looks at Messi’s record in La Paz ahead of Argentina’s clash with Bolivia in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier.

Bolivia crush Argentina 6-1 (2009)

Messi got a rude awakening in his first match for La Albiceleste in Bolivia, with Argentina suffering a humiliating 6-1 defeat in their World Cup qualifier on April 2, 2009.

Diego Maradona’s squad failed to get it going in the highest capital city of the world, with Bolivia taking full advantage of their unique home field.

Marcelo Martins Moreno opened the scoring for Bolivia in the 11th minute to send the home fans into a frenzy.

Luis Gonzalez equalised for Argentina in the 24th minute, but that proved to be the only highlight for them in this match.

Alex Da Rosa converted a penalty in the 33rd minute to give Bolivia a 2-1 lead. Alex Da Rosa doubled their lead before the break with a fine strike.

Joaquin Botero added two more goals in the second half before Didi Torrico completed the rout with a strike in the 86th minute.

Messi struggled to cope with the high altitude as he failed to find the back of the net in the loss.

Bolivia hold Argentina to 1-1 draw (2013)

Messi returned to La Paz four years later, looking for a much better showing for Argentina. He struggled yet again, though, with Bolivia holding them to a 1-1 draw on March 26, 2013.

He was again largely anonymous, with Messi failing to get Argentina’s offense going at the Estadio Hernando Siles.

Moreno gave Bolivia a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute before Ever Banega evened things up with a goal for Argentina in the 44th minute.

Messi had an opportunity to give Argentina the victory late in the match, but he wasted a wonderful scoring chance.

Messi and Angel Di Maria suffered with the conditions, with the latter given oxygen during the match, per The Independent.

Argentina grab 2-1 win (2020)

Messi finally secured his first win in La Paz on October 14, 2020, helping Argentina claim a 2-1 victory over Bolivia.

They came from behind to seal their first win in Bolivia since 2005.

Messi once again failed to score in this contest. Lautaro Martinez equalised for Argentina in the 45th minute before Joaquin Correa netted the match-winner in the 79th minute.