ARGENTINA’S World Cup winning stars are having to use oxygen tubes to deal with the high altitude ahead of their clash with Bolivia.
The Albiceleste take on Bolivia tomorrow night in a World Cup qualification match up at the Hernando Siles Stadium.
The football ground, which is in the La Paz region of Bolivia, will likely raise a different kind of challenge for the Argentinian squad with its altitude sitting at a whopping 11,932 feet above sea level.
The high altitude means players will find it more difficult to catch their breath and as a result they have been seen carrying around personal oxygen tanks.
Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister has even posted a picture of himself using a handheld tank to take on board the right amount of oxygen whilst on the team coach.
And the Argentina team aren’t the only visitors to the Bolivian stadium that have resorted to using oxygen tubes.
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In 2017 Brazil players were also pictured using the tanks to make sure their oxygen levels were up to scratch.
Being anywhere more than 6000 feet above sea level can cause breathlessness, dizziness and headaches.
But it’s not just the physical problems that Argentina will have to cope with, but the altitude could also mean Lionel Messi is taken out of the starting 11.
The Inter Miami star was subbed off during Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador last week and boss Lionel Scaloni might not feel he can risk him at the crazy heights.
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Speaking ahead of the Bolivia game, Scaloni said: “Leo was tired the other day and asked to be substituted.
“But it’s not needed that we speak to him before matches. We see as it goes.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
