Argentina Beat Bolivia For the First Time Since 2005, Lionel Messi and Others React After La Albiceleste’s 2-1 Win

Argentina handed Bolivia 2-1 defeat in the second round of South American 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier. This was Lionel Messi-led team’s second back to bak to victory in the tournament. Interestingly, this was Argentina’s first victory in La Paz since 2005. With this win, Argentina occupy second spot on the team standings while Brazil leads. Argentina were trailing in the first half an hour after Marcelo Martins netted the opening goal for Bolivia. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi Showdown in Juventus vs Barcelona Under Threat Now As CR7 Tests Positive for Coronavirus?

However, thanks to ‘accidental goal’ by Lautaro Martinez, Argentina managed to draw level at the half time. After Bolivia’s Jose Carrasco failed to clear the ball, it hit the right leg of Argentina striker and deflected into the nets. Interestingly, Martinez became the first Argentina player other than Messi to score in a World Cup qualifier since 2016.

In 79th minute, Argentina found a winner when Messi assisted unmarked Joaquin Correa who netted in a left-footed shot as he beat goalkeeper Carlos Lampe.

After the win, excited Messi took to Instagram and posted few pictures from the match on the Instagram. He wrote, “great triumph at altitude, where it always costs more. There is still a lot to do, the qualifiers have just started and we are very happy to have achieved these two victories.”

Here’s Messi’s Reaction

The Intensity

Mad Stat

First and Second

The Messi Assist

Argentina’s next encounter is against Paraguay on November 12 (IST) while Bolivia will face Ecuador on the same day. Earlier, Argentina registered a 1-0 win over Ecuador.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 14, 2020 09:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).