Despite Lauding Lionel Messi’s ‘Genius,’ Brazilian Rival Claims to Limit His Participation at FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

The international break continues to jaw-drop soccer fans with its twists and turns. Among the much-anticipated games is tomorrow’s match between Argentina and Brazil. While this is expected to be an intense encounter, a rival and former PSG teammate of Lionel Messi has claimed to restrict the Argentine veteran’s influence as the icon is the main contributor to the team’s functionality on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and his teammates will be looking to end their disappointing streak against the Brazilians since 2000.

Brazilian rival hints at having a master plan to block the Argentine engine

After a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Uruguay, Argentina will travel to Rio de Janeiro to face Brazil. While both sides continue to prepare for the upcoming clash, Brazilian superstar Marquinhos has made some huge claims before the kick-off. During the pre-match press conference, the defender first made some heartwarming claims regarding Lionel Messi. He said, “Messi is a genius and a special player, and despite his age he will always do great things”.

“As a friend and colleague, I enjoyed him very much in Paris and developed with him in all aspects.” After this heartfelt praise, the PSG defender then insisted that, despite his special bond with La Pulga, he and his teammates would be looking to restrict his presence.

The defensive anchor added, “Tomorrow, unfortunately, Messi will be an opponent, and I spoke with my colleagues not to stop him because that would not be the right word, but to limit his participation in the game.” Additionally, the 29-year-old also backed Messi as an amazing player and warned his side to be careful against him because “most of what Argentina does goes through the Inter Miami star.”

Be that as it may, Marquinhos already seems to have a blueprint for tomorrow’s match to pester Lionel Messi and his teammates. Let’s see how the 2022 World Champions respond to these pre-match mind games. Additionally, they also have a chance to break a jinx that they have struggled with for 23 years. Let’s dive deeper.

Argentina looks to end their embarrassing winless streak against Brazil

For the Argentine team, venturing into Brazil for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers has proven to be a challenging journey. Since 1998, Argentina has crossed the border to face their rivals on four occasions, experiencing defeat three times and securing only one draw. Commencing in 2000, the three-time World Cup champions suffered losses in 2004, 2008, and 2016.

READ MORE: “Didn’t Pay So Much Attention to Lionel Messi” – Marcelo Bielsa’s Match-Winning Gameplan for Argentina vs. Uruguay WC Qualifiers Exposed

In 2021, Lionel Messi and his teammates had an opportunity to end this jinx. Unfortunately, the pandemic disrupted their plans, leading to the abandoning of a scheduled match on Brazilian soil after just five minutes. Now, the pivotal question remains; Can the upcoming game break the pattern, or will it be another victory in Brazil’s ongoing dominance?

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