Despite world champion Argentina opting to rest Lionel Messi, they secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over a 10-man Bolivia in La Paz on Tuesday, continuing their impeccable start to South American World Cup qualifying.
Messi, whose schedule with his club Inter Miami has been demanding, observed the match from the bench and wasn't even listed as a substitute. This decision stemmed from his admission of fatigue after netting the winning goal in Thursday's 1-0 triumph against Ecuador.
Even in the absence of their star player, Lionel Scaloni's team demonstrated overwhelming firepower against Bolivia. Goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Nicolas Gonzalez sealed the victory.
Chelsea midfielder Fernandez came tantalizingly close to scoring with a spectacular strike from a staggering 30 yards out, destined for the top corner. However, Bolivia's keeper Guillermo Viscarra managed to tip it over, denying him the goal.
Viscarra then did well again to keep out a near post drive from Julian Alvarez, who had taken advantage of some sloppy defending.
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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.
Fernandez sealed the victory with a left-footed drive seven minutes before the final whistle, capitalizing on some hesitant defending from the home side.
Later in the same evening, Ecuador will host Uruguay, while Venezuela faces Paraguay, Colombia journeys to Chile, and Brazil competes in Peru.
