Argentina Players Carry Oxygen Canisters To Cope With Altitude In Bolivia
Argentina’s national football team arrived in La Paz, Bolivia, on Tuesday, ahead of their second 2026 World Cup qualifier game. However, fans noticed an unusual item being carried by Lionel Messi and his teammates: mini oxygen canisters.
The world champions, who opened their qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Ecuador thanks to Messi’s second-half free-kick, face a significant challenge in Bolivia – not necessarily because of the quality of the opponents but because of the location and the conditions.
La Paz is one of the highest cities in the world, with an altitude of about 11,942 feet above sea level. This causes altitude sickness for those who are not used to the low oxygen levels and air pressure. The symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, sleeping problems, and even loss of appetite.
To cope with the altitude, Argentina’s players brought along small tubes that provide oxygen and help with acclimatisation. Alexis Mac Allister, Cuti Romero, and Nicolas Otamendi were among the players who were seen holding the devices as they got off the team bus in La Paz.
This is not the first time that a visiting team has resorted to such measures. In 2017, Brazil’s players needed oxygen after their 0-0 draw with Bolivia in the same city.
Argentina will hope that the oxygen canisters will give them an edge over their hosts and help them secure another victory in their quest to defend their World Cup title. They will need to qualify for the tournament that will be held in the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada in 2026. They won their first World Cup trophy last year in Qatar, beating France 3-2 in a thrilling final.
