Lionel Messi will play in his home country of Argentina for the first time in nearly a year when the national team hosts Bolivia tonight for a World Cup qualifying match.
It’s been 334 days since Messi last played in front of his most faithful fans.
Is Messi playing? You bet he is. The 37-year-old star only has so many more of these opportunities in his storied career.
Tuesday’s game will cap a travel-filled week for Messi with the national team before he returns to South Florida to help Inter Miami begin their playoff chase in Major League Soccer.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Argentina vs. Bolivia match today at Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires:
What time is the Argentina vs. Bolivia match?
It begins at 8 p.m. ET (9 p.m. in Argentina).
Is Messi playing tonight?
Yes, Messi is expected to start for Argentina against Bolivia.
Where to watch Argentina vs. Bolivia live stream?
The match will be broadcast by NBC Universo. Streaming also available on fubo.
Argentina vs. Bolivia betting odds
The odds are stacked against Bolivia in this one: Argentina is an overwhelming favorite (-1400), while Bolivia is (+2800) to win and a draw is (+1200) after regulation. The over/under on goals scored is 3.5, according to BETMGM.
When was the last time Messi played in Argentina?
The last time Messi played for Argentina in his home country wasn’t the best of outcomes.
Losing isn’t an often occurrence for Argentina, the reigning World Cup and two-time defending Copa America champions: They’ve lost just four times in their last 67 matches they’ve played.
Messi’s busy week continues with Argentina match
The Argentine national team traveled from South Florida to Colombia, then Venezuela before settling for a 1-1 draw against the Venezuelan national team last Thursday.
Argentina had a full practice Monday, after a light session on Sunday, before Tuesday’s match against Bolivia.
After the Bolivia match, Messi will return to South Florida and Inter Miami practice.
Inter Miami will play its season finale on Saturday against New England Revolution with a chance to clinch 74 points and the MLS record for points in a season.
The good news for Messi: He’ll have a week before Inter Miami begins the MLS Cup Playoffs on Oct. 25.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.