Lionel Messi’s world champions will play the struggling hosts in a South American World Cup qualifying match in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday. The rivalry between the two teams will reach a fever pitch.
Five times winners of the World Cup As a sold-out Maracana stadium cheers them on, Brazil will need extra help to get back on track after losing back-to-back qualifying games for the first time in their history.
Because Neymar and Vinicius Jr. are hurt, caretaker manager Fernando Diniz has to put together a young team to play Argentina. But he promises that this team will stay true to Brazil’s character, even against a great player like Messi.
Of course, you have to worry about a guy that good. “But we have to play our part as we try to keep all of his creative energy in check,” Diniz said at a Monday public event.
“Working with Messi is different, and you need to be careful.” If a player is that good and has that much power, you can’t help but worry about them.
Diniz said that he thought the Maracana would have a great but heated environment, with fans excited for Brazil to get back at Argentina after losing the Copa America final two years ago.
Brazil is now fifth in South America with seven points from five games after losing 2-1 to Colombia on Thursday. They haven’t won in their last three games.
As they get ready to play their longtime foe Argentina, who currently lead the standings with 12 points, they are under a lot of pressure.
Díniz said, “I hope we play well and the fans can play along with the team, creating a great atmosphere.”
“If not the best team in the world, they are one of the best, and we are ready to play them.” They have been for a while, not just since they won the World Cup.
“They have players in the top leagues who are used to being in the spotlight.” There’s also Messi… The team has been playing well for a long time; they’re on a winning streak, and they’ve kept their base.
“We know that, and we’re going to get ready to play our best against a strong opponent.”
