Lionel Messi’s involvement in a 1-0 win over Paraguay last week doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be fit for Argentina’s next game in World Cup qualifying against Peru.
Messi played most of the second half against Paraguay last Thursday despite struggling with muscular pains in the weeks leading up to the game. But there’s no certainty he’ll play against Peru on Tuesday despite practicing with the squad. Meanwhile in Brazil, Neymar is under fire for his lackluster performance in a 1-1 draw against Venezuela last week that ended with some fans throwing popcorn at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá. He will have a tough challenge at Uruguay to show he is back in form.
The next World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada is expanding to a 48-team format, meaning direct entry to the top six teams in South America. The seventh-place team will contest an intercontinental playoff for a berth.
World Cup winner Argentina leads continental qualifying with 9 points, followed by Brazil (7), Colombia (5), Uruguay, Chile and Venezuela (4), Ecuador (3), Paraguay and Peru (1), and Bolivia (0).
The fourth match day in South American qualifying also features Ecuador against Colombia, Paraguay against Bolivia and Venezuela taking on Chile.
PERU vs. ARGENTINA
Lionel Messi’s participation in Argentina’s match against Peru remains uncertain due to recent muscular pains in his right leg, which sidelined him for several MLS matches with Inter Miami. If Messi does play, Coach Lionel Scaloni may need to choose between Julián Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez from the lineup that defeated Paraguay. Argentina could continue with Nico Gonzalez in Lima. In their previous match against Paraguay, Messi replaced Julián Álvarez in the 52nd minute and, despite hitting the post twice, delivered a subdued performance. Peru, coming off two consecutive losses, anticipates a tough challenge against the reigning World Cup champions. Coach Juan Reynoso stressed the need for adaptability and solid performance.
URUGUAY vs. BRAZIL
Brazil’s soccer fans expressed frustration with the recent draw against Venezuela, a team that has never qualified for a World Cup. The 31-year-old Neymar bore the brunt of criticism for his missed passes and lackluster finishes in the game. Video footage captured Neymar leaving the field in apparent anger as some fans pelted him with popcorn, a tradition that labels underperforming players as “pipoqueiro” (popcorn man). Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer with 79 goals in official matches.
