Argentina’s national team is set to face Bolivia next Tuesday in their South American 2026 World Cup qualifier, and head coach Lionel Scaloni is planning some changes to the squad, including one that will impact Lionel Messi.
By Alejandro Lopez Vega
By Alejandro Lopez Vega
In their first match of the October international break, Argentina secured a 1-1 draw against Venezuela, maintaining their position as sole leaders of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Now, with Bolivia visiting Buenos Aires, Scaloni is contemplating several adjustments to the starting lineup, including a potential change in Messi’s attacking partner.
Lautaro Martinez is expected to have a strong chance of starting as the center forward, replacing Julian Alvarez—a rotation that has become common in recent games. Both Martinez and Alvarez are performing well for their clubs and the national team, making this decision a key talking point. What remains certain is that Messi will keep his spot in the lineup.
In defense, Tottenham’s Cristian Romero is set to return after serving a suspension for accumulated yellow cards, likely replacing German Pezzella. Another potential change involves Nicolas Otamendi, who scored against Venezuela. Scaloni may choose to keep Otamendi in the lineup or opt for Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez instead.
Additionally, there could be a switch at right-back, with Gonzalo Montiel potentially starting after good showing last Thursday, which might push Nahuel Molina to the bench.
Lautaro Martínez from Argentina
Head coach Lionel Scaloni also faces decisions in midfield. Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez are expected to retain their starting positions, while Alexis Mac Allister could return after missing the Venezuela match due to muscle discomfort sustained at Liverpool.
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The final midfield spot could go to either Real Betis’ Giovani Lo Celso or Botafogo’s Thiago Almada, who started against Venezuela. However, Scaloni may also consider keeping Julian Alvarez in the lineup, playing him in a wider role on the left wing, a position he has filled on multiple occasions this season with Atletico Madrid.
Alejandro Lopez Vega is a seasoned sports journalist who joined Bolavip US in October 2024. With more than thirteen years of experience in news writing, sports analysis, and event coverage, he specializes in soccer and basketball. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Alejandro has worked with various media outlets in Rosario, Argentina, such as Radio La Red and Radio Mitre. He has also been part of the Communication and Press Department for the soccer teams Newell's Old Boys and Central Córdoba. In addition to his journalism career, Alejandro is a lawyer, having graduated from the Universidad Nacional de Rosario, which brings a unique legal perspective to his sports analysis, going beyond the athletic aspects of events.
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