Lionel Messi is uncertain for Argentina’s South American World Cup qualifier in opposition to Paraguay on Thursday regardless of “looking good” in coaching, in response to coach Lionel Scaloni. Messi teamed up with the World Cup winners after getting back from damage as a second-half substitute for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer on Saturday. Messi had performed simply 37 minutes for his membership since September 3, having returned with an damage from worldwide responsibility final month. Argentina have received each their qualifiers to this point and are stage on six factors on the high of the desk with Brazil.

“We still have one more training session and one more is important for him… I have to talk it over with him and make sure we are convinced he can start. He looked good. Based on that, we will see the rest of the team,” mentioned Scaloni.

The Argentina coach mentioned he additionally needed to have in mind that his staff would face Peru in Lima 5 days later.

“What leaves us calm is that, if he is not fit to play, whoever goes out will do just as well, that’s the most important thing,” he mentioned.

One possibility for Scaloni, ought to Messi not be match to play, could be to start out with Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez and Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez as a pair.

“They’ve already played together as starters. I’m open to many things. It will depend on the match. It wouldn’t be a problem. They’re different, but they can play,” he added.

Paraguay have one level from their opening video games and sit in sixth place, the ultimate spot for automated qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil host Venezuela in Cuiaba on Thursday — the ‘Vinotinto’ have three factors after a 1-0 win over Paraguay and a slender 1-0 loss to Colombia.

Midfielder Casemiro says the ‘Selecao’ will not underestimate an opponent searching for their first look within the finals.

“It’s going to be a difficult game. Venezuela have their merits, many players playing in Europe, quality players. The important thing here is respect,” the Manchester United and former Real Madrid midfielder advised a information convention.

“Football is one of the few sports in which the favourite does not always win… and in South America there’s no easy game,” he added.

Brazil will probably be enjoying their third sport below interim coach Fernando Diniz and Casemiro mentioned the staff are nonetheless adjusting to a brand new strategy.

“We are trying to adapt as quickly as possible, but it takes time. At club level it usually takes months. In the national team we are trying to do it with videos and so on to correspond to that work philosophy as quickly as possible and minimise mistakes,” he mentioned.

After the conflict with Venezuela, Brazil go to Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay on Tuesday in Montevideo. Venezuela will host Chile.

Thursday’s different video games see Colombia host Uruguay, Bolivia tackle Ecuador and Peru go to Chile.

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