Messi is a doubt for Argentina’s match against Paraguay.
Despite “looking good” in training, Lionel Messi is iffy for Argentina’s South American World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Thursday, according to coach Lionel Scaloni.
After overcoming an injury, Messi joined forces with the World Cup winners on Saturday in Major League Soccer, coming on as a second-half substitute for Inter Miami.
Messi had only made 37 appearances for his team since September 3 after returning from an injury sustained while serving for his country last month.
“We have one more training session left, and it’s a crucial one for him. I need to discuss it with him and make sure we both agree that he may begin. He appeared well. We shall see the rest of the team based on it,” Scaloni remarked.
The Peruvian team was scheduled to play Argentina in Lima five days later, which the Argentina coach stated he also had to consider.
“The most important thing is that whoever gets out will do just as well if he is not fit to play, which gives us peace of mind,” he stated.
Argentina is tied with Brazil at the top of the table with six points after winning their first two qualifiers.
In the event that Messi is deemed unfit to play, Scaloni may choose to start Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan and Julian Alvarez of Manchester City together.
As starters, they have already shared the field. I’m amenable to a wide range. Depending on the game, yes. Nothing would be wrong with it. They can play, despite their differences,” he continued.
With one point from their first three games, Paraguay is in sixth place, which is the last spot available for automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
On Thursday, Brazil will play Venezuela in Cuiaba. The “Vinotinto” have three points following a 1-0 victory against Paraguay and a close 1-0 loss to Colombia.
The “Selecao,” according to midfielder Casemiro, won’t undervalue a rival hoping to make their first finals appearance.
“This game is going to be challenging. Venezuela has merits; they have several talented players who play in Europe. Respect is crucial in this situation, the midfielder for Manchester United and former member of Real Madrid stated at a press conference.
One of the rare sports where the favorite does not always prevail is football. and there is no easy game in South America,” he continued.
Brazil’s third game under temporary head coach Fernando Diniz is coming up, and Casemiro stated the team is still getting used to a new strategy.
“We’re working hard to adjust as soon as we can, but it takes time. At the club level, months are typically needed. In order to adhere to that work culture as swiftly as possible and reduce errors, the national team is attempting to do it via films and other materials, he stated.
Tuesday in Montevideo, Brazil will pay a visit to Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay following their match against Venezuela. Chile will visit Venezuela.
In the other games on Thursday, Peru will visit Chile, Bolivia will play Ecuador, and Colombia will host Uruguay.
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