Argentina returned to 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying action to play host to Bolivia at the iconic Estadio Mâs Monumental. Lionel Scaloni's team were held to a 1–1 draw last time out against Venezuela to begin the October international break. Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring via a close-range strike following a set piece while José Salomon Rondon equalized in the second half with a thumping header. Neither side were able to generate much going forward as Lionel Messi explained that Argentina "could not complete two passes in a row" due to the waterlogged pitch at the Estadio Monumental de Maturín. Now, La Albiceleste returns to Buenos Aires to play in front of its supporters after a two-match winless run away from home in World Cup qualifying play. Scaloni is likely to be without players like Paulo Dybala, Nicolás Gonzalez and Marcos Acuña for the contest but Argentina has more than enough quality to get the job done and stay atop the CONBEMOL qualifying standings.
Argentina struggled to a 1-1 draw on a flooded pitch last week. / Ronald Peña R. / EFE
Lionel Messi complained about Venezuelan conditions.
Argentina Lionel Messi was not happy that his team were forced to play in sodden conditions against Venezuela last week.
"It was very difficult, it makes for very ugly matches," Messi told Argentinian media after the game. "We could not complete two passes in a row. In the second half we did it on the right a little more, but it is difficult to play like that. Very little is played."
Messi and his teammates will have no such problems today with perfect conditions in Buenos Aires from this evening's game.
ARGENTINA
Messi’s tumultuous return: dramatic clash and slap moment with Venezuelan player
Last week's trip to Venezuela was one to forget for Argentina fans and the players will be in no rush to relive a trying game. As this video shows, Argentina captain Lionel Messi was among those feeling the strain..
Lionel Messi frustrated by Venezuela draw
Confirmed Bolivia team news.
Here's how the visitors line up tonight. La Verde go into the game as clear underdogs but they will be buoyed by recent good results.
Not only did Bolivia beat Venezuela and Colombia at home, they also secured a very rare away victory over Chile. That was just Bolivia's second away win in World Cup qualifying this century.
Elsewhere in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.
The first game from South America this evening was another stunning performance from Colombia, who can stake a real claim to be one of the form teams in international soccer. Goals from Luis Diaz and John Duran helped Colombia go level with Argentina at the top of the CONMEBOL group, albeit have played one game more.
Another new signature boot for Lionel Messi.
Over the international break Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been sporting the adidas F50 Messi Triunfo Estelar, his latest collaboration with the German sportswear brand. He drew a blank in the first game against Venezuela, will he find the back of the night tonight?
Argentina have won three consecutive tournaments under Lionel Scaloni. / JUAN MABROMATA / AFP
Argentina can perform without Messi, Scaloni insists.
Speaking earlier this week Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was asked about the team's principles when Lionel Messi is not available. Scaloni admitted that Messi remains a key part of the team, but pushed back on the implication that Argentina may struggle without his generational talents.
“For the game, it's important that Messi is there because almost all of the team's attack goes through him," Scaloni said.
"In a goal-scoring play he's almost always there, but the idea of the game is always the same, whether he's there or not. We prefer him to be there, logically, but our football concept doesn't change, we already have a way of playing.”
World champions in the house.
The hosts will be heavy favourites in front of an expectant home crowd inside the Estadio Monumental. After a disappointing 1-1 draw with Venezuela in their last outing, Argentina will want a return to winning ways.
Argentina team news from the Monumental.
Argentinian soccer insider Gaston Edul is on the ground in Buenos Aires, reporting the team news for La Albiceleste this evening.
It looks like Lionel Messi will start, playing just behind Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez in a multi-faceted attacking trio.
2026 WORLD CUP
When is Argentina vs Bolivia? Times, how to watch on TV, stream online | CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier
We'll have full live coverage of Argentina - Bolivia right here on AS USA but you can also choose to watch the action unfold. Here's everything you need to know...
How to watch Argentina - Bolivia
CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying fixtures.
Here's the full slate of fixtures from CONMEBOL's World Cup qualification this evening. Already today Colombia have taken a commanding lead against Chile, continuing their impressive start to proceedings.
Argentina need a win to restore their lead at the top of the qualification group.
ARGENTINA
Will Lionel Messi play for Argentina today against Bolivia?
Here's how we think Lionel Scaloni will line up...
Argentina team news
Argentina return to home soil.
Last week's trip to Venezuela did not go as planned for the world champions.
The game was delayed by 30 minutes to allow a little extra time for the flooded pitch to drain. Conditions improved slightly but what followed was a scrappy game that ended 1-1, a key point for the hosts.
Tonight, Lionel Scaloni's men will be eager to get back to winning ways.
Argentina host Bolivia in World Cup qualifier.
Despite winning three consecutive international tournaments, this talented group of Argentinian players are showing no signs of letting up. The 2026 World Cup will surely be Lionel Messi's final bow with the national team and he and his teammates are desperate to add more silverware.
Tonight they welcome Bolivia to the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
About the author
William Gittins
A journalist, soccer fanatic and Shrewsbury Town fan, Will’s love for the game has withstood countless playoff final losses. After graduating from the University of Liverpool he wrote for a number of British publications before joining AS USA in 2020. His work focuses on the Premier League, LaLiga, MLS, Liga MX and the global game.
