ARGENTINA
Uruguay and Brazil present the next challenge for Lionel Messi
Argentina are preparing for two tricky 2026 World Cup qualifying tests as they face Uruguay at home before facing Brazil at the Maracanã.
After the celebration with Inter Miami last week to celebrate winning his eighth Ballon d’Or, Leo Messi is now back in training with Argentina as they to prepare ahead of two key matches in the Albiceleste’s aspirations to progress from the CONMEBOL South American Qualifiers. The current World Cup holders have started brightly with with 12 points out of a possible 12 after a total of four victories. However, the forthcoming games against Uruguay and Brazil will be stern tests in the last international window of the year.
Messi has been back in Argentina for a couple of days as Lionel Scaloni’s side prepare at the Ezeiza base ahead of the games at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires ahead of the trip to Rio with the game against Brazil set to be held at the Maracanã.
The Albiceleste squad has seen the addition of Pablo Maffeo and Francisco Ortega with both new call-ups seem to be integrating well.
Thursday’s game against Uruguay will see Messi reunited on the pitch with close friend and former neighbour in Barcelona, Luis Suárez. The ‘Pistolero’ returns to international duty following a surprise call-up with the ‘Celeste’ after almost a year of absence and the veteran striker has surprised many with his recent performances with Brazilian club side Grêmio. The Uruguayan is also tipped to be a new acquisition at Inter Miami ahead of the 2024 MLS season.