Everyone was looking forward to watching Lionel Messi and Neymar fight. The two were supposed to face off for Argentina and Brazil in the World Cup qualifiers on March 26. But football fans' enthusiasm was dampened when Neymar was ruled out last Saturday due to injury.
With Neymar out due to injury, everyone's eyes were on Messi. Everyone was waiting to see his performance against Brazil. But that hope is no longer being fulfilled. Messi has also been ruled out following his friend Neymar's path.
The reason for the Argentine captain's elimination is also injury. Citing Argentine media, the Associated Press (AP) reported that Messi suffered pain in his left thigh during Inter Miami's 2-1 win over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer. And the Reuters news agency reported that Messi has strained his thigh muscle. He will remain in the United States for the time being to recover.
Messi himself is disappointed to be eliminated from the team like this. However, he said that he will support the team from afar even if he is not in the team, saying, "It is sad not to be able to play two very special matches for the national team against Uruguay and Brazil. As always, I wanted to be there. But at the last minute, a small injury forced me to take a break from playing again. It knocked me out of the team. I will cheer for the team from here and support the team like another fan."
Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni is definitely in big trouble now because of Messi's absence. Because, in this match, he will not get Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Montiel and Giovani Lo Celso along with Messi.
Young Turkish Claudio Echeverri is not in the team. All in all, there is a slight deficiency in Argentina's attack. In addition, the Argentine coach will have to think separately about who will be Messi's replacement quickly.
It is not possible to make up for Messi's absence. However, this is also an opportunity for the young people to prove themselves. Because, if someone can prove themselves by getting the opportunity to replace Messi, it will reduce the pressure on Scaloni. Especially with Messi, who is constantly battling injuries, Scaloni will have to be prepared with alternative plans.
Without Messi, Argentina will play against Uruguay on March 22 at 5:30 am Bangladesh time. And in the Super Clasico, Argentina will face arch-rivals Brazil on March 26 at 6 am.