Bolivia vs Argentina Preview

Lionel Messi is ready to help Argentina follow up their win over Venezuela by hitting the heights at altitude.

Argentina face an uphill tasko on Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in La Paz.

The Albicelestes' superb form in Buenos Aires on Saturday took them up to second in the South American qualifying zone on 19 points - four below the leaders Paraguay - and Messi is out to retain their unbeaten record under coach Diego Maradona.

"Although we have not trained too much under him and we have played two friendlies and Saturday's match, the good point is that the players get on with each other very well," said the Barcelona forward.

"Argentina are a match for anybody, and under Maradona we feel even stronger.

"We have some things to correct. Sometimes we play too fast, and you make some mistakes because of that speed. The ideal is the form we had in the second half against France and the Venezuela match."

Messi has never played at high altitude before and does not know how his body will react to a venue 3,600 metres above sea level, at the Estadio Hernando Siles.

"In Europe, no countries have those sort of conditions," he explained.

"I always want to play, and it is up to Diego whether I play or not. I think it might be cool; it is a new experience."

Second-bottom Bolivia have only nine points - Uruguay, in the play-off position have collected 16 - so Argentina's opponents have obvious motivation.

Goalkeeper Carlos Arias does not fear Argentina, though.

"We know they have excellent skills, but the important thing for us is winning the match. We need to win to go back home calmly," he said.

"We'll maybe have special head-to-head duels against Messi, Sergio Aguero or Carlos Tevez."

"The fans may come to watch Argentina stars, but we will win the match. Bolivia are a different team in La Paz - we'll pressurise them and attack constantly."

Arias believe Bolivia can still dream of qualification too.

"We have several games ahead," he pointed out.

"Only when mathematics say we are eliminated will we give up."