Messi was on the bench but Argentina still finished the job

World champions Argentina rested Lionel Messi but still shined in a 3-0 victory over 10-man Bolivia in La Paz on Tuesday to maintain their winning start to South American World Cup qualifying. Messi, who has had a hectic schedule with his club Inter Miami, watched his teammates from the bench but was not listed as a substitute, having complained of tiredness after scoring the winner in Thursday's 1-0 victory over Ecuador. There were also rumours before the game that he might be injured, but that was not the case. Some fans are still remembering a 6-1 defeat in Bolivia and were not calm when they saw that Messi was not even in the match protocol, but this team had no problem with the hosts.

Some may recall the last time the Inter Miami star played in La Paz. He was part of that humiliating 6-1 defeat in 2009 and couldn’t cope with the atmosphere. The forward vomited during a match against them four years later, so it was for the best to miss this game. He was not on the team sheet but was present at the Argentina bench and supported his teammates. Despite the absence of their talisman Lionel Scaloni's side had too much firepower for Bolivia, with goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Tagliafico and Nicolas Gonzalez securing an impressive victory.

Chelsea midfielder Fernandez went close with a wonderful effort from 30 yards out superbly saved by Guillermo Viscarra, who then did well again to keep out a near-post drive from Julian Alvarez. The lively Alvarez had a hand in Argentina's opener in the 31st minute, feeding Angel Di Maria, whose low cross was turned in by Fernandez, who had made a perfectly timed run into the box. Eight minutes later, Bolivia's task got even tougher when Roberto Fernandez was sent off for an over-the-top challenge on Cristian Romero.

Argentina went in at the break with a 2-0 lead after Tagliafico met a floated Di Maria free-kick with a header that looped over Viscarra. The three-time World Cup winners were in total control after the break, with Alvarez hitting the post in the 70th minute and Viscarra kept busy by efforts from Rodrigo De Paul and Di Maria. Gonzalez wrapped up the victory seven minutes from the end with a left-footed drive after more hesitant defending from the home side, who had lost both their opening games.