Argentina players given oxygen ahead of Bolivia clash due to altitude
Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates given oxygen tubes ahead of World Cup qualifier against Bolivia to help cope with the high altitude
- Argentina players have been given oxygen tubes as they prepare to face Bolivia
- They will play at the Estadio Hernando Siles, some 3,637 metres above sea level
- Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off’
Argentina’s players have been given personal oxygen tubes to help cope with the high altitude ahead of their clash with Bolivia on Tuesday.
The World Cup qualifier will take place 3,637 metres above sea level at the Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz. It is one of the highest professional stadiums in the world.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister posted a picture of himself using his oxygen tube in La Paz, while Cristian Romero was also clutching his as he left the team bus.
The Bolivian stadium was briefly unable to host qualifiers after a FIFA ruling banned stadiums at a height of over 2,500 metres due to concerns that visiting sides had little time to adjust and faced significant disadvantages.
The height limit was lifted to 3,000 metres months later and the Estadio Hernando Siles was given a special exemption.
Argentina players have been given oxygen tubes ahead of their clash with Bolivia in La Paz
Your browser does not support iframes.
Some controversy has remained over the stadium’s use, though, with Neymar slamming the conditions as ‘inhumane’ after posting pictures of Brazil players with oxygen masks ahead of a 2018 World Cup qualifier.
Aside from the altitude, one of Argentina’s biggest concerns will be the fitness of Lionel Messi.
The Inter Miami star was substituted in the 89th minute of Argentina’s 1-0 win against Ecuador on Thursday after scoring a late free kick.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed after the game that Messi had ‘felt something’ and had asked to be taken off.
Messi was subsequently seen leaving IMAXE medical centre on Saturday after undergoing precautionary tests.
However, Messi is still in contention to face Bolivia, with Scaloni saying that a decision will be made on Monday over whether he will feature.
Scaloni said: ‘Messi is going to travel to Bolivia. Today he trained differently, but there are still two days left until the game and we will make the decision tomorrow whether he plays or not. The team is going to be similar to the one that played against Ecuador.’
Lionel Messi is a doubt for the game after being taken off in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Ecuador
Manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed after the game that Messi had ‘felt something’ but insisted he is going to Bolivia
IT’S ALL KICKING OFF!
It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.
It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.
Your browser does not support iframes.
Source: Read Full Article
