As a result, fans went crazy. Without Lionel Messi On Tuesday, September 12, Argentina defeated Bolivia 3-0 at La Paz in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Messi had traveled to high-altitude (almost 12,000 feet) La Paz but was not included to Lionel Scaloni’s matchday roster. The 36-year-old had previously scored a 78th-minute free-kick winner in last week’s opening qualifying triumph against Ecuador, but had to be replaced in the 89th minute due to exhaustion.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner stood by as Scaloni’s side cruised past the hosts in La Paz, led by Angel Di Maria. Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Tagliafico put the Albiceleste up 2-0 after Roberto Fernandez was sent off for Bolivia three minutes earlier.
Nicolas Gonzalez sealed the victory nine minutes from time as Argentina won just their sixth World Cup qualifying match in La Paz. Fans were ecstatic that the club was able to win so decisively without its charismatic leader, while also praising Di Maria.
One follower tweeted:
“Di Maria is still regarded as one of the best.”
Another person commented:
“No messi, no problem”
Here are some of the most popular responses on X, previously known as Twitter:
🏆 #Eliminatorias
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) September 12, 2023
⚽ @Argentina 🇦🇷 3 (Enzo Fernández, Nicolás Tagliafico y Nicolás González) 🆚 #Bolivia 🇧🇴 0
👉 ¡Final del partido!
🔜 El elenco comandado por Lionel #Scaloni jugará en octubre nuevamente por las Eliminatorias Sudamericanas. pic.twitter.com/q3PG2sExYO
Di Maria is still one of the best🔥❤️
— Bisswas Culer🇳🇵 (@culerboi) September 12, 2023
No messi no problem
— MIDO ⚡ (@midonations) September 12, 2023
Champions of the World❤
— Crypto__lad (@cr7pto_lad) September 12, 2023
Argentina are the real deal
— Omobolaji (@Beejaysport) September 12, 2023
We continue 🇦🇷👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/yOzLm45EPn
— Mati (@mati_sanlorenzo) September 12, 2023
Argentina climbed to the top of the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualification rankings with the victory, making it two wins out of two.