Argentina star Lionel Messi has warned his team-mates against complacency ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier with Bolivia.
The Albicelestes edged a step closer to a place in next year’s finals in neighbouring Brazil with a 3-0 victory over Venezuela on Friday night, a result that left them four points clear of Colombia at the top of the South American group.
However, Colombia still have a game in hand, as do Ecuador who are two points further back in third, and Messi knows there is still work to be done.
“We have achieved nothing yet. We are playing Bolivia and they are hard to pass,” said the Barcelona playmaker.
Messi needs no reminding of the damage Bolivia can do as he was part of a strong-looking Argentina side who, under the leadership of Diego Maradona, were thrashed 6-1 at the Estadio Hernando Siles during qualification for the 2010 World Cup.
Messi told reporters: “Everybody knows what happened last time so we are hoping we can get a positive result.
“We always have to play good football. The World Cup qualifiers become more and more difficult and we must do our jobs as well as possible.”
Despite that, Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella is reportedly set to ring the changes from the side that beat Venezuela thanks to a brace from Gonzalo Higuain and a Messi penalty.
One of the players who could be brought in is 28-year-old defender Jose Maria Basanta, who would be making his international debut.
Basanta, who is used to playing at altitude with Mexican side Monterrey, told Ole newspaper: “I have the dream but the coach is yet to announce the line-up. I have to do my best in training.
“What we have to do in Bolivia is to keep the ball on the grass, not in the air. We must also try and make the most of the opportunities we get..”
Bolivia are second-bottom of the CONCACAF standings with eight points from 10 games.
They suffered a 5-0 mauling at the hands of Colombia on Friday and captain Ronald Raldes concedes they cannot expect to repeat their stunning victory over Argentina from four years ago.
“It will be a completely different match,” he told ESPN Radio.
“We know that and we are preparing with much more focus, we are taking precautions.
“We know Argentina are doing well.
“The team don’t have important stars but we are like workers who work hard every day and fight for every ball.”
