The Argentines are too high in Ecuador - so they'll have to breathe oxygen from personal tubes
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 11.09.23. | 16:16
Playing in La Paz is the most demanding fixture in South American football
Argentina's players have been provided with personal oxygen tubes to help them cope with the high altitude at the Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz, where they will face Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier. The stadium is located 3,637 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest professional stadiums in the world - and nearly unbearable for those who aren't used to playing in such conditions.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister shared a photo of himself using an oxygen tube in La Paz, and Cristian Romero was also seen with one as he left the team bus.
The Estadio Hernando Siles faced a brief ban on hosting qualifiers due to a FIFA ruling that initially restricted stadiums at altitudes over 2,500 meters. This ruling was later adjusted to allow stadiums up to 3,000 meters, with the Estadio Hernando Siles receiving a special exemption. However, controversy has persisted over the stadium's conditions, with Neymar once describing them as 'inhumane' and sharing pictures of Brazil players wearing oxygen masks before a 2018 World Cup qualifier.
🏟️🇧🇴 Argentina face Bolivia away tomorrow... but it's no ordinary football match.
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) September 11, 2023
La Paz sits 3,600 metres above sea level, creating many physical issues like dizziness, headaches, breathlessness etc for away players.
MacAllister, even on the club coach with oxygen tube! pic.twitter.com/hGNw283qqP
In addition to the altitude challenge, Argentina's concern revolves around Lionel Messi's fitness. The Inter Miami star was substituted in the 89th minute of Argentina's 1-0 win against Ecuador after scoring a late free kick. Coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Messi had 'felt something' and requested to be substituted. Messi underwent precautionary tests and a decision on whether he will feature against Bolivia will be made on Monday.
"Messi is going to travel to Bolivia. Today, he trained differently, but there are still two days left until the game and we will decide tomorrow whether he plays or not. The team will be similar to the one that played against Ecuador."
WORLD CUP QUALIFICATIONS
South America
Tuesday
23.00: (6.25) Bolivia (4.10) Argentina (1.60)
23.55: (2.05) Ecuador (3.50) Uruguay (4.00)
Wednesday
01.55: (2.90) Venezuela (3.20) Paraguay (2.70)
03.30: (2.95) Chile (3.25) Colombia (2.65)
05.00: (10.5) Peru (5.30) Brazil (1.35)
***odds are subject to change
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