Lionel Messi recently returned from injury, playing as a second-half substitute for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. However, his participation in Argentina’s upcoming South American World Cup qualifier against Paraguay is uncertain, despite showing promise in training. Argentina has won both of its qualifiers, sharing the top spot with Brazil, with both teams having accumulated six points.
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, explained that Messi’s availability would be determined after one more training session. He also noted the importance of considering the team’s upcoming match against Peru, which is scheduled just five days later. Scaloni expressed confidence that whoever replaces Messi, if necessary, will perform well, highlighting the team’s depth.
Should Messi not be fit to play, one option for Scaloni is to pair Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez with Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, who have previously started together. Paraguay currently occupies the sixth position, the final automatic qualification spot for the 2026 World Cup.
On the other hand, Brazil is set to host Venezuela in Cuiaba, and midfielder Casemiro emphasized that the Brazilian national team would not underestimate their opponent, which is seeking its first appearance in the finals. He stressed the importance of respect in football, where the favorite doesn’t always win, especially in South America. Brazil is under interim coach Fernando Diniz, and Casemiro acknowledged the ongoing adjustment to a new approach.
Following the game against Venezuela, Brazil will visit Uruguay under the management of Marcelo Bielsa.