Argentina are going in to their World Cup 2018 qualifier against Bolivia with only 5 points in hand.
Despite having Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and Messi leading the charge they have managed to score only two goals in the previous four matches .
Messi missed the first four rounds last year and they have been defeated by Ecuador and drawn games with Paraguay and Brazil
Their solitary win has been over Colombia, leaving them sixth in the 10-nation group.
The top four teams in the South American qualifiers after 18 rounds are completed at the end of 2017 qualify for the finals in Russia while the fifth goes into an intercontinental playoff.
Besides the fact that they are in a lowly sixth place there’s another problem.
The venue for the next game- the Mario Kempes stadium – has still not recovered from the excesses inflicted on it due to British heavy metal band Iron Maiden and Mexican pop band Mana’s concerts which took place in the stadium on March 15 and at the end of February.
It’s a long way from match fitness.
Argentina coach Gerardo Martino calls it a deplorable pitch.