World Cup qualifiers: Why Messi didn’t play against Bolivia – Argentina coach, Scaloni

<p>Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has explained why captain Lionel Messi wasn’t included in his side’s World Cup qualifier matchday squad that defeated Bolivia on Tuesday.</p>, <p>Messi did not feature for Argentina as they defeated Bolivia 3-0 at the Estadio Hernando Siles, thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Tagliafico and Nicolas Gonzalez.</p>, <p>Prior to the Bolivia clash, Messi was the hero for La Albiceleste against Ecuador last week, scoring a stunning free-kick to secure an important three points for the team.</p>, <p>Speaking on why he did not include the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward in his side’s squad against Bolivia, Scaloni said (via Mundo Albiceleste): “Leo was not ready to play.</p>, <p>“He tried to recover yesterday, but he didn’t feel comfortable, and we didn’t risk it.</p>, <p>“It wasn’t important because there are important things coming.”</p>, <p>Meanwhile, Argentina are currently second in the CONMEBOL standings with six points from two games.</p>, <p>They will face Paraguay in their next World Cup qualifier on October 13.</p>