Lionel Messi misses sitter and throws up on pitch as Argentina gasp for breath in Bolivia

Bolivia may have finally found a way to stop goal-machine Lionel Messi – make him play at 4,000 metres above sea level.

The Argentina schemer came undone in La Paz – missing a one-on-one and throwing up on the pitch, as his country struggled in Bolivia’s high altitude stadium during their World Cup qualifier.

His team-mate Angel Di Maria had to be given oxygen on the pitch, while Javier Mascherano tweeted a picture of Ezequiel Lavezzi receiving help with his breathing in the dressing room after the final whistle.

The thin air clearly proved to be an equaliser on the pitch, as Argentina could only muster a 1-1 draw with their fellow South Americans.

Marcelo Martins gave the home side the lead with a 25th-minute header, but Ever Banega drew Argentina level just before half-time with a headed effort of his own.

Messi, who has rattled 51 goals for Barcelona this season, could have won the game late on but shot straight at the keeper when clean through on goal.