A new position was assumed by LIONEL MESSI during Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Bolivia.

The winger and captain of Argentina missed the match because he was working under Lionel Scaloni as an assistant coach.

According to Maxi Grillo of TNT Sports, Messi filled out a Fifa document claiming to be an assistant coach, which allowed him to sit on the substitutes bench despite not being included in the roster.

During the previous match against Ecuador, Messi had sustained a knock.

Despite this, he still managed to convert a beautiful free kick for the game’s lone goal.

Due to the national team’s reputation for aggressive tackling and the fact that La Paz is located 3,625 meters above sea level, Scaloni decided it would be preferable to avoid taking a chance with Messi against Bolivia.

The Hernando Siles Stadium has a limited supply of oxygen, thus it’s typical for visiting teams to take breaks during games to breathe in canisters of pure oxygen.

Before the game, images of players like Alexis MacAllister and Cristian Romero breathing through oxygen tubes after getting off the team bus in the Bolivian capital surfaced.

In 2017, Neymar voiced his displeasure at having to play in the stadium, calling the circumstances “inhumane.”

Messi has historically performed poorly at the venue; in 2009, he was a member of Diego Maradona’s Argentina team that lost 6-1 away to Bolivia.

He joined an Argentina team four years later, but they could only manage a 1-1 draw.

When Bolivia defeated Argentina 2-1 in World Cup Qualification in October 2020, it was his first victory over their South American rivals.

The Inter Miami team, who had to make do without Messi during the break, will also be happy to hear of Messi’s relaxation last night.

Despite defeating Sporting KC 3-2 without the Argentine, Miami has relied heavily on him ever since his arrival this summer.

Since making his Miami debut in August, Messi has scored 11 goals and provided five assists.