Lionel Messi is once more a uncertain starter for Argentina within the subsequent World Cup qualifying match in opposition to Paraguay.
The Argentina captain scored within the opening 1-0 win over Ecuador however skipped the 3-0 win at Bolivia final month due to muscular pains which have additionally sidelined him from a number of matches for Inter Miami within the MLS.
The World Cup champions are because of host Paraguay on Thursday at Buenos Aires.
Vinicius Jr. missed Brazil’s first two video games in South American qualifying however is again within the beginning lineup after recovering from an harm. The Selecao will tackle Venezuela in Cuiaba.
Argentina and Brazil are 2-0 in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after victories final month. The continental archrivals are because of meet in November.
Colombia is in third spot within the 10-team standings with 4 factors. Uruguay and Venezuela every have three factors, adopted by Paraguay, Peru and Chile with one level every.
Ecuador hasn’t registered a contest level regardless of its 2-1 win over Uruguay on Sept. 13. Ecuador began the qualifying match at -3 after having factors deducted by FIFA for the falsification of start info of defender Byron Castillo, who’s of Colombian origin.
The following World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada is increasing to a 48-team format, that means direct entry to the highest six groups in South America. The seventh-place group will contest an intercontinental playoff for a berth.
Different matches Thursday embody celebrations for Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay after FIFA’s choice to award the three nations the opening matches of the 2030 World Cup, which shall be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
ARGENTINA vs. PARAGUAY
The 36-year-old Messi missed 4 MLS matches for his membership plus the U.S. Open Cup last. He performed 10 minutes on Saturday in Inter Miami’s 1-0 loss to Cincinnati. Tuesday’s coaching recommended he’ll face Paraguay, however it wasn’t clear whether or not he’d begin or come off the bench.
Coach Lionel Scaloni did not point out who would substitute Messi if he does not begin. He can even need to make different choice selections, together with whether or not to start out Nicolás Tagliafico or Marcos Acuña at left-back, or Julián Álvarez or Lautaro Martínez up entrance.
Argentina is not going to rely on Ángel Di María, who’s recovering from harm. Nico González is prone to be the veteran’s substitute as soon as extra.
Paraguay’s new coach Daniel Garnero could have his debut in opposition to Argentina. He took over from Guillermo Barros Schelotto final month after the primary two qualifiers.
The 54-year previous Garnero, an Argentine like Schelotto, has coached a number of Paraguayan groups since 2016 and proven desire to extra balanced groups in a rustic the place defending is seen as an artwork.
“We have to play it intelligent, use the technique of our coach for this match and take one level. And why not three?” defender Junior Alonso stated. His hopes will not be false; Argentina has didn’t beat Paraguay within the two newest editions of South American World Cup qualifying.
BRAZIL vs. VENEZUELA
Brazil’s new coach Fernando Diniz confirmed at Tuesday’s coaching that Vinicius Jr. is absolutely recovered from harm and can begin in opposition to Venezuela within the metropolis of Cuiaba. Raphinha was the starter at right-wing within the two first matches however is now injured.
The standing of the 23-year-old Vinicius at dwelling has grown because the final World Cup, as he continues to thrive at Actual Madrid and followers see Neymar enjoying in a less- aggressive league in Saudi Arabia.
“Vinicius is essential for his membership, he’s essential for the nationwide group. And he’s solely a boy,” striker Gabriel Jesus informed a press convention. “He got here again from harm scoring objectives and serving to Actual win matches. He’s simply nice.”
Renan Lodi, who can be out because of harm, is probably going to get replaced by Guilherme Arana.
Richarlison is predicted to start out in opposition to Venezuela regardless of his objective drought for the nationwide group. His most up-to-date objective for Brazil got here within the 4-1 win in opposition to South Korea within the spherical of sixteen of the World Cup in Qatar.
Additionally on Thursday, Colombia will face Uruguay, Bolivia will host Ecuador, and Chile will tackle Peru.
Reporting by The Related Press.
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