Argentina vs. Bolivia Game for the World Cup Qualifiers in 2016: Goal-less Messi Has Better Chances to Score; Our Prediction and Match Time

By Francisco Salazar Mar 29 2016, 12:09 PM EDT

Lionel Messi will look to open his account against Bolivia as he leads Argentina in the World Cup Qualifiers.

The Match and Argentina's Case

It has now been five matches without a goal for the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, though he was a key contributor on Argentina's win against Chile last Thursday.

However, if Messi is unable to score, Argentina will remain rather dull on the attack, creating increasing concern about this team's viability as a qualifying force.

Argentina's win over Chile allowed the team to jump into fifth place on the table, just two points back from second place. But Messi is going to have to be the hero if Argentina is to leap forward any further.

He was the key for Argentina back in the 2014 qualifying campaign, scoring a whopping 10 goals throughout the competition, including three game-winning tallies throughout the campaign. That is the kind of difference maker "La Pulga" was during that campaign and the kind of player he is expected to be for his nation at this juncture.

But Messi has yet to deliver there, making strong plays, but not providing the finishing touch. Early on, it hurt Argentina, stopping the nation from picking up major points or even scoring goals. In recent games the team's play has picked up, but it has yet to truly run away with any match.

If Messi does not start providing that finishing and thus relieving the pressure from others, Argentina may find itself struggling offensively in other tighter matches. Of all the teams in the CONMEBOL, Argentina is still remarkably the worst offensive side in the tournament with four goals scored thus far. That is a team that not only includes Messi, but also Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain among others. Four goals is unacceptable for that group.

In the last qualifying campaign, Argentina led the way with 35 goals.

Bolivia's Hope Fading Away

Bolivia is currently looking like heading straight for the basement in the standings after losing against Colombia at home in its most recent match. Bolivia actually found a way to come back from a 2-0 deficit, but ultimately choked in the waning seconds of the game.

If this is not the game to get Messi scoring and powering Argentina's offense, then there are some serious issues ahead.