If you think Lionel Messi will take an extended vacation after the MLS season, think again. The GOAT is fit to face Uruguay on Thursday despite only one game in a 25 days ago.
Messi suited up for Inter Miami in a 2-1 friendly Noche d’Or loss on November 10. That’s where he celebrated his record-setting 8th Ballon d’Or in front of the Ft. Lauderdale crowd.
“The answers about Messi is easy,” said Abiliceste boss Lionel Scaloni ahead of tomorrow’s match at La Bombonera. “If he’s fine to go he will always play with me. He is in very good shape. Will he play 90 minutes both against Brazil and Uruguay? That’s it, you have the answer.”
Messi will square off against friend and former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez. The two will reunite once again in Miami at the start of the next MLS season. Beckham is on the verge of signing El Pistolero on a one-year deal with the possibility of a second year.
Previewing Argentina vs Uruguay World Cup Qualifiers
The current World Cup Champions are off to a hot start in World Cup qualifying, having won the last four matches.
“This national team has already shown that it can play against any rival,” said Scaloni ahead of the clash. “Then you can win or not. We will be up to the task, we are ready to compete. We are not thinking about Brazil because first we have a game against Uruguay, which is a tremendously difficult opponent.”
Uruguay’s new boss Marcelo Bielsa will be looking to make a statement in his second match with the national side. But he’s less optimistic about the prospects of facing Messi. “There is no way to stop Lionel Messi and prevent him from playing well. He is the best player in the world,” said Bielsa.
Argentina leads the historic rivalry, having defeated Uruguay 96 times versus 63. The teams have drawn 53 matches. Regarding Messi vs. friend and foe Luis Suarez clashing at the international level, Messi owns six wins and three draws.
Argentina square off against Brazil on November 21. Messi’s friend and former teammate, Neymar, won’t be available at the Maracana. The Brazilian is recovering from an ACL injury he picked up during the last international break. The 31-year-old did, however, adopt a new bold haircut.
Photo: Twitter/FCBAlbilceleste
