Lionel Messi’s involvement in a 1-0 win over Paraguay last week doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be fit for Argentina’s next game in World Cup qualifying against Peru. Meanwhile in Brazil, Neymar is under fire for his lackluster performance in a 1-1 draw against Venezuela last week.
Lionel Messi - The Canadian PressSAO PAULO — Lionel Messi’s involvement in a 1-0 win over Paraguay last week doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be fit for Argentina’s next game in World Cup qualifying against Peru.
World Cup winner Argentina leads continental qualifying with 9 points, followed by Brazil , Colombia , Uruguay, Chile and Venezuela , Ecuador , Paraguay and Peru , and Bolivia . Messi substituted Julián Álvarez in the 52nd minute against Paraguay, when Argentina was already in the lead. He hit the post twice, but had a low key performance overall at the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The Al-Hilal striker was filmed leaving the pitch in anger as some fans threw popcorn at him. Brazil's soccer tradition calls “pipoqueiro” the players who fail to deliver in big matches. He is likely to face Uruguay at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo on Tuesday.Brazil's new coach Fernando Diniz, who was also criticized after the draw with Venezuela, is likely to make three changes for the next round of qualifying.