Argentina vs Brazil: Messi Confirmed to Play, Neymar Ruled Out

Lionel Messi is confirmed to play in the highly anticipated clash between Argentina vs Brazil. Meanwhile, Neymar is ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

Argentina will host Brazil at San Juan del Bicentenario in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday (17/11) at 10:00 WIB. This will mark the first encounter between the two titans since the final of the 2021 Copa America, which Argentina won 1-0.

In their next match, Messi will return to action despite concerns about his fitness level, with coach Lionel Scaloni opting to limit his playing time. In their previous match against Uruguay, Messi played only 14 minutes after recovering from a recent injury.

'He was physically fit for the previous match and ultimately we decided that the best option for him was to play a few minutes to get a feel for the game and ensure he can play in the next match,' said Scaloni in an interview with ESPN.

It will be a highly challenging match for Argentina, as they face a team that is currently leading the qualifiers and has already secured a spot in the final round.

Brasil, on the other hand, will have to play without Neymar, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury in his left thigh. The team's official statement explained that they decided to rest Neymar due to the short time available for a thorough medical examination.