Teetering on the edge of World Cup qualification, Argentina are willing to try anything and everything in a bid to enhance their chances of making it to Russia 2018.

With Lionel Messi banned for their next four World Cup qualifiers after a foul-mouthed rant at an assistant referee, it seems perfectly plausible that Argentina could miss out on a place in next year's World Cup.

Tuesday's away tie to Bolivia, played in the world's highest capital city La Paz, could prove crucial and, according to FourFourTwo, the Albiceleste medical team believe they have found the perfect antidote to their opponent's greatest advantage: Viagra.

Argentina players will be instructed to take Viagra before their crucial game against Bolivia

At 11,942ft, Bolivia's Estadio Hernando Siles is one of the highest stadiums in the world

Situated 11,942ft (3,640m) above sea level, Bolivia's Estadio Hernando Siles is one of the highest sports venues in the world and has been an unhappy hunting ground for Argentina, who have not won there in 12 years.

Indeed, Angel Di Maria and Javier Mascherano both required oxygen masks during a game in 2009 while Messi was sick on the pitch. Bolivia, whose players were born and bred at altitude, took full advantage to win 6-1.

But a cocktail of Viagra, caffeine, and paracetamol will be given to the Argentina players before and during the match in an attempt to eliminate the effects of playing in La Paz, which has a third of the oxygen found at sea level.

La Paz is the highest capital city in the world and has a third of the oxygen found at sea level

Angel di Maria required an oxygen mask during Argentina's 6-1 defeat to Bolivia in 2009

Viagra, of which the main benefits are well known, contains Sildenafil, which is known to improve athletic performance at extreme altitudes and is perfectly legal according to the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Head coach Edgardo Bauza said: 'The problem of the altitude comes in the last 20 minutes. We will see how we come through the game physically.

'When we get to the altitude, we give paracetamol to players to avoid headaches.'

Argentina are currently third in the South American qualifying group but are only two points in front of sixth-placed Chile and face a number of crucial fixtures without their talisman Messi.

Bolivia are not in the running for qualification but a win in La Paz would represent a significant boost for Argentina in their bid to reach Russia.