Argentina, playing without suspended star Lionel Messi, lost 2-0 to Bolivia in the altitude of La Paz on Tuesday to slip to fifth in the South American World Cup qualification standings with four matches remaining.

Argentina's best chance of reaching next year's finals appears to rely on winning an appeal to have Messi's suspension shortened. The Barcelona star made offensive remarks to a Brazilian linesman in a 1-0 victory over Chile last Thursday and, if the FIFA ruling prevails, will only return to the team in their last qualifiers in October against Ecuador.

From a TV set in the locker room, Messi watched Argentina gradually fade into an average side outrun by the Bolivians at 3,600 meters above sea level. The last time the Argentines managed to win in La Paz was in 2005.

"We are alive and we want to qualify for the World Cup. This is a fight that we will keep fighting," Bauza said, before admitting there are big concerns within the squad. "Yes, the players are worried because no one likes to lose."

Bauza added "it is strange" that Messi's ban was decided so quickly.

"It is regrettable that he could not play, but even more so that there was no time for me to work with someone else," Bauza said. "I am a little surprised with the time they gave me to make the change."

Argentina's next matches will be in August away to Uruguay and in Buenos Aires against Venezuela.

Associated Press