Lionel Messi's return was not enough to help Argentina win against Venezuela. With a 1-1 draw on October 11, La Albiceleste has dropped 8 points in the last 5 matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers (W2, D1, L2).
But fortunately for them, when the two teams behind them, Colombia and Uruguay, both lost, the reigning world champions still maintained their leading position in the rankings with a score difference of 3 and 4 respectively.
While the weather and pitch conditions can be blamed, Venezuela are clearly playing in similar conditions, so coach Lionel Scaloni will be hoping for a return to winning ways when he takes on Bolivia.
This is an opponent he has won all four times against, a record that is complemented by Argentina's strength in their last 17 home World Cup qualifiers (W11 D5 L1).
Remarkably, during that run, Argentina kept a clean sheet in all of their wins. They have also done the same in nine of their last 10 matches.
Currently vying for their first World Cup appearance since 1994, Bolivia arrive in Buenos Aires full of confidence, having picked up 12 of their last 15 possible points (W4 L1).
Their most recent win over Colombia (1-0) was impressive, but not playing at home is a hindrance for La Verde, who have beaten Argentina five times - all in La Paz.
Bolivia had gone 51 away games without a win in World Cup qualifying (D7 L44) in the 21st century until meeting Chile last September.
But it could also be that very soon, the winless streak will start in Buenos Aires…
Link to watch Argentina vs Bolivia live:
https://play.tycsports.com/
