Lionel Messi Vomits On Pitch As Argentina Gasp For Air In Bolivia

Lionel Messi drew a blank again against Bolivia as the Argentine goal machine struggled with the rigours of playing at high altitude.

The forward, was reportedly sick on the pitch during half-time as he struggled in the thin air of La Paz, more than 13,000 feet above sea level. Team-mate Angel Di Maria had to be given oxygen on the pitch during the 1-1 draw.

Reflecting on the altitude, Messi said: 'It is terrible to play here at altitude, so a draw is a good result for us. Every time you make an effort or play at high pace, you need time to recover.

'Some of the players had a headache and others felt a bit dizzy, but there was nothing wrong with me.'

Bolivia went ahead in the 25th minute when striker Marcelo Martins rose above defender Hugo Campagnaro to head Alejandro Chumacero's right-wing cross past Sergio Romero. 

Argentina, who had a good chance for striker Rodrigo Palacio saved by goalkeeper Sergio Galarza with his feet, equalised one minute before halftime. Messi beat two defenders and fed left back Clemente Rodriguez whose centre was headed home by midfielder Ever Banega past the diving Galarza.

But they might have won had Messi made the most of a late chance. Messi stole the ball from a defender and came face to face with Sergio Galarza but a moment's hesitation cost him dear and allowed the goalkeeper to block his shot.

Source: Daily Mail