Breaking: Messi’s Uncertain Fate and Brazil’s Dominance in South American World Cup Qualifiers!

Messi is a doubtful starter for Argentina’s World Cup qualifying game in Bolivia

Excitement surged among Bolivian fans as they gathered at La Paz International Airport to welcome Lionel Messi, who was with the Argentina national team ahead of their World Cup qualifying game against Bolivia. However, Messi’s participation in the match was uncertain due to fatigue, even though he traveled with the defending World Cup champions.

Meanwhile, Brazil, led by coach Fernando Diniz in his debut, had secured a commanding 5-1 win over Bolivia the previous Friday and was preparing to face Peru with the same squad.

In the opening round of continental qualifying games, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia had all emerged victorious. The second round of games involving all 10 South American teams was scheduled for Tuesday.

For the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, which features a 48-team format, the top six teams in South America would secure direct spots. The seventh-place team would have to compete in an intercontinental playoff for a berth.

In the Bolivia vs. Argentina match, coach Lionel Scaloni announced that he intended to field a lineup similar to the one that defeated Ecuador. However, Messi’s participation would be decided closer to kick-off. The game was to be held at the Hernando Siles Stadium, located more than 3,000 meters above sea level, making it a challenging venue for visiting teams, especially for older players. Scaloni also hinted that Ángel di María and Julián Álvarez could replace Nico González and Lautaro Martinez in the starting XI, depending on their condition on match day. If Messi didn’t play, Scaloni would need to find a solution as there was no direct substitute for him.

In the Peru vs. Brazil match, coach Diniz, who had a one-year contract, was expected to field the same squad that had impressed in their win over Bolivia. Richarlison, who had an emotional moment after being substituted in the previous game, was likely to start again. Defender Gabriel Magalhães had recovered from a minor injury and was expected to feature in the starting lineup. Neymar, who had been out of action since February, had shown his recovery with two goals, breaking Pelé’s record as Brazil’s all-time top goal scorer.

The Ecuador vs. Uruguay match in Quito promised to be a tough encounter. Ecuador’s coach, Félix Sánchez Bas, would need to adopt a more attacking approach against Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay to make up for the three-point deduction imposed by FIFA due to birth information falsification involving defender Byron Castillo. Bielsa hinted at possible changes in the team, with 21-year-old Cristian Olivera as a potential replacement for Darwin Núñez. However, it remained to be seen whether Bielsa would make these changes or if it was a tactical maneuver.

Additionally, on Tuesday, Chile was set to host Colombia, while Venezuela was scheduled to take on Paraguay.