BUENOS AIRES (AP) — On one side, returning to beat the archrival at home after two decades and earning a berth to the next World Cup. On the other, deflating the world champions’ swagger and leaving behind the traumas of the recent period.
Argentina and Brazil will face off on Tuesday at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, a matchup with plenty of appeal such that Messi’s absence and Neymar’s long-awaited return can take a back seat.
The Albiceleste have extended their lead atop the standings (28 points) after beating Uruguay 1-0 away, a result that did not justice to the footballing superiority of the side led by Lionel Scaloni, even with their illustrious captain unavailable on the field. Messi was left out of the double date of the qualifiers due to a muscle injury.
With a draw, Argentina seals its place at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. But the world champions have another carrot to chase: returning to beat their archrival at home after 20 years.
The last time they faced off, it was a 3-1 in 2005 during the World Cup qualifiers for the following year.
“Brazil is Brazil. It has huge players, among the best in the world in its squad,” Scaloni noted days ago. “I know it will be a formidable opponent, respected by us.”
Brazil arrives buoyed by a 2-1 victory over Colombia thanks to a brilliant piece of play from Vinícius Júnior, the Real Madrid star who celebrated his first goal in the qualifiers.
With the win, the Canarinha climbed to third place with 21 points and put the doubts about coach Dorival Júnior on hold.
“We are going to play against the world champions and Copa América champions. The team that has won the most in recent years,” the Brazilian coach said at a press conference. “We will try to play our best football. We aim to get a great result.”
Of the last three official encounters, Argentina won the 2021 Copa América final and, in the first leg of the current qualifying cycle, both matches were in Brazil. The remaining game ended in a draw.
A doubt for Argentina; 6 changes for Brazil
In Argentina, the doubt centers on who will replace midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. The Atlético Madrid midfielder was rested against Uruguay to prevent a yellow card from ruling him out of the derby.
Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada — author of the winner against Uruguay — and Giuliano Simeone are the players eyed to leave the starting lineup.
The home side would line up with Emiliano Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico, De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Almada, Simeone and Julián Álvarez.
Brazil will make six alterations from the side that defeated Colombia, due to injuries to goalkeeper Alisson and Gerson, both sidelined by head blows; the suspended Gabriel Magalhães and Bruno Guimarães and the tactical absences of Vanderson and João Pedro.
“I’m sure we’ll have a squad that’s ready to put on a great performance against a great rival who deserves all our respect,” said coach Dorival.
Bento, Wesley, Marquinhos, Murillo, Guilherme Arana, André, Joelinton, Raphinha, Vinícius, Rodrygo and Matheus Cunha will take the field at the Monumental.
A threat and the specter of racism
“We are going to give them a beating, without a doubt,” Raphinha said to hype the pregame.
In Brazil, officials also raised their guard regarding episodes of racism that have often marked clashes between Argentine and Brazilian teams in the Copa Libertadores, compounded by the recent controversy over CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez’s statements.
“I hope nothing happens. Enough is enough! If it does, we will take the measures we must take, because this issue has a long history,” warned Arana, offering few further details. “It is common to see Brazilian clubs playing against other teams and suffering racism and violence.”
The hosts asked their fans to behave to avoid sanctions.
