Angel Di Maria Shines Bright as Argentina Thump Bolivia Without Lionel Messi

• Argentina recorded an emphatic win over Bolivia in their World Cup qualifier
• Angel Di Maria provided two assists in a 3-0 victory in La Paz
• Argentina captain Lionel Messi was an unused substitute

Football fans erupted with excitement when an Argentina squad without Lionel Messi triumphed 3-0 over Bolivia in La Paz during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, September 12.

Messi had made the journey to the high-altitude city of La Paz but was not included by La Albiceleste's manager, Lionel Scaloni, in the squad for the match.

According to Marca, the 36-year-old had previously scored a winning free-kick in the 78th minute during the opening qualifying victory against Ecuador last week, but he was substituted in the 89th minute due to fatigue.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner observed from the sidelines as Scaloni's team effortlessly handled the hosts in La Paz, with Angel Di Maria leading the world champions.

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Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Tagliafico gave Argentina a 2-0 advantage within 42 minutes after Bolivia's Roberto Fernandez received a red card three minutes earlier, ESPN reports.

Nine minutes before the end, Nicolas Gonzalez sealed the win as Argentina secured their fifth World Cup qualifying victory in La Paz.

Fans laud Di Maria's performance

Fans were not just delighted by the World Champion's convincing win in the absence of their inspirational captain but also praised Angel Di Maria's performance.

@SiavoushF tweeted:

"Di Maria with two assists today away against Bolivia at 3000 m height. He’s always played heavenly football."

@IconicCristiano posted:

"Di Maria is genuinely the main man at Argentina."

@MadridIn6ixx posted:

"Di Maria will go down as the most underrated player ever. No hype, all talent. Big game player."

@JuliusJulu7 said:

"Angel Di Maria taking charge for Argentina in Messi's absence."

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@AlbicelesteTalk tweeted:

"Captain Ángel Di María with 2 assists in the first half."

Di Maria provides stunning assist

Sports Brief also reported that Angel Di Maria whipped in a stunning pass to Enzo Fernandez, who slotted home beautifully against Bolivia.

Di Maria brilliantly created Argentna's opening goal during their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

The Benfica winger curled in a ridiculous low cross as he picked out the Chelsea midfielder, who scored from close range to put his side in the lead.