The last time Argentina saw the pitch, Chile were celebrating as Copa America champions. The Albiceleste fell 4-1 on penalties after a goalless draw and finished as runners-up in the tournament. Now, Lionel Messi and company return to the pitch to prepare for World Cup qualifying.
Bolivia will serve as the patsy for that mission on Friday. The first-division clash between the two can be live streamed here free.
Both Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano are expected to start on the bench for Argentina when they play Bolivia on Friday night.
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) September 4, 2015
Preview
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: BBVA Compass Stadium
Weather: 87°F, Scattered Thunderstorms
Odds, per Oddschecker.com: Argentina (1/7) - Draw (7) - Bolivia (14)
TV Coverage: beIN Sports
Bright idea for BBVA Compass Stadium to have a concert 24 hours before the Argentina-Bolivia match. To top it off, weather ain't helping.
— Nayib Moran (@nayibmoran) September 3, 2015
Main Talking Point
For all his greatness, Messi is yet to win a title with his national team. The comparisons with Diego Maradona have left a void in his legacy, leading many to question his future with Argentina.
Fortunately, the 28-year-old is prepared feature on Friday, something defender Marcos Rojo is grateful for.
"I saw how some of our players were unjustly criticised, like Messi and Javier Mascherano,'' Rojo said, per ESPN FC. "They give everything for the national team and suffer in every game that we don't win.
"I saw Leo in bad shape after the [Copa] final. At times I feared he was not going to come any more. How fortunate for Argentina that Leo is with us again.''
Projected Lineups
Argentina (4-3-3): Guzman; Mas, Mori, Rodriguez, Casco; Lamela, Kranevitter, Pereyra; Gaitan, Aguero, Lavezzi
Bolivia's (3-5-2): Vaca; Eguino, Raldes, Zenteno; Hurtado, Melean, Bejarano, Smedberg, Cardozo; Arce, Martins
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