'Terrible' memory for Messi

The Barcelona star was pleased to come away with a result after enduring difficult playing conditions in La Paz.

Lionel Messi said it was "terrible" to play at altitude after Argentina's 1-1 draw away to Bolivia on Tuesday in the latest CONMEBOL World Cup 2014 qualifier.

Marcelo Moreno gifted the hosts the lead midway through the first half, before Ever Banega restored parity shortly before the half-time whistle, and Messi was pleased to see his side get a draw in difficult conditions.

"It is terrible to play here at altitude, so a draw is a good result for us," Messi told reporters. "Every time you make an effort or play at high pace, you need time to recover.

"Some of the players had a headache and others felt a bit dizzy, but there was nothing wrong with me."

The Barcelona star then looked ahead to the remaining qualification games and stressed that the next two matches will be crucial.

"We now have two big games coming up. We host Colombia and we are traveling to Ecuador. They will be nice matches."

Albiceleste sit atop of the table with 24 points from 11 games, holding a four-point lead over second-placed Ecuador, which has a game in hand.


/Goal.Com/