Lionel Scaloni has confirmed Lionel Messi will simply play a element in Argentina's World Cup qualifier towards Brazil.
The rival nations meet for the first time because this yr's Copa America very last, which Argentina won 1-0, once they face off in San Juan on Tuesday.
Both teams have same facts when you consider that that final, each prevailing five of their six qualifiers. A clash between the pair in Sao Paulo in September became suspended due to coronavirus regulations regarding Argentina's England-based totally gamers.
Already-certified Brazil sit down top of the CONMEBOL standings on 34 factors, six clear of Scaloni's group, who defeated Uruguay on Friday.
Given the 12-factor hole between Argentina and 5th-placed Colombia, who occupy the play-off spot, a win would all however assure their place in Qatar subsequent year. Dropped points for 2 of Chile, versus Ecuador, Colombia, towards Paraguay, and Uruguay, in Bolivia, could make the image clearer nonetheless.
Messi, whose selection in Argentina's squad "did no longer make experience" – according to Paris Saint-Germain wearing director Leonardo – due to the 34-12 months-vintage's latest damage issues, came on as a 76th-minute substitute within the win over Uruguay.
Scaloni defined he had used Messi sparingly with the intention to maintain him in pinnacle circumstance for Tuesday's conflict with Brazil, and the educate confirmed in his pre-healthy news convention the former Barcelona celeb would surely play, albeit he did no longer monitor if he might begin.
"It is showed that Messi will play the next day," Scaloni informed reporters on Monday.
On the mission his group face, Scaloni stated: "This Brazilian group is one of the maximum direct nowadays.
"They have already qualified for the World Cup, and we know how tough this game is going to be.
