Messi is uncertain for today’s showdown with historical rivals Uruguay in Mendoza, with the 29-year-old struggling to overcome a groin injury. PHOTO: AFP
In the five months since the last batch of games in South America’s marathon qualifying campaign, both Brazil and Argentina have undergone massive upheaval, with each side parting company with their coaches.
Brazil kissed goodbye to 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga, appointing Tite, after a dismal campaign in the Copa America Centenario which saw the five-time world champions knocked out in the group stage.
Messi’s Argentina return in doubt
Argentina, meanwhile, split with Gerardo Martino following his team’s Copa America final defeat to Chile in June, a loss which prompted a tearful Lionel Messi to announce his retirement from international football.
Messi was subsequently coaxed into a U-turn by new coach Edgardo Bauza, confirming in August that he would continue to be available.
But the Barcelona superstar is uncertain for today’s showdown with historical rivals Uruguay in Mendoza, with the 29-year-old struggling to overcome a groin injury.
I want to talk about football with Messi, says new Argentina coach
Uruguay, who will have star striker Luis Suarez and defensive linchpin Diego Godin back in the same starting XI for the first time since the qualifiers kicked off last October, lead the standings on goal difference from Ecuador with 13 points.
While Bauza faces a difficult start to his reign against the in-form Uruguayans, Brazil have a potentially awkward trip to the thin air of Quito to face Ecuador.
Although the Brazilians have an impressive overall record against Ecuador — winning 24 of 30 games since 1942 — the Selecao have never won a World Cup qualifier in Quito, which is situated a dizzying 2,850m above sea level.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 1st, 2016.
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