Since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Argentina has showcased an outstanding defensive performance, maintaining a clean sheet against formidable opponents such as Ecuador, Australia, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
The upcoming challenge in their World Cup Qualifier journey intensifies as Luis Suarez, former teammate of Lionel Messi, returns to the Uruguay national team for the first time since the FIFA World Cup 2022. The anticipation grows even more as Argentina gears up to face Brazil, promising a riveting clash against another formidable opponent in their quest for continued success.
Nicolas Taglifico discloses idea to ensure Lionel Messi plays in 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi secured the one elusive trophy missing from his collection when Argentina triumphed over France in the 2022 World Cup final. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner not only clinched the coveted title but also earned the player of the tournament award for his remarkable performance, contributing to ten goals in seven appearances. Many fans and pundits hailed this achievement as Messi “completing football,” marking a historic triumph in Qatar.
Initially expressing no plans to play for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup after joining Inter Miami in June, Lionel Messi has since softened his stance. When asked about the possibility of participating in the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Messi told Migue Granados, “I don’t know if I will reach it. I said that before. I’m not thinking about it yet because it’s far away, but I’m thinking about Copa America. The goal is to arrive in good shape for the Copa America in the United States. It’s going to be great. It will be looked into depending on how I feel at the time.”
Nicolas Tagliafico has disclosed that Lionel Messi will participate in the 2026 World Cup if Argentina successfully defends their Copa America title next year.
Argentina’s next opponent at World Cup Qualifiers
Argentina has maintained clean sheets throughout 2023, starting with four friendlies against Panama, Curacao, Australia, and Indonesia. This defensive prowess continued into the first four rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Peru. In essence, Argentina has not conceded a goal since the World Cup final last year.
While this achievement is commendable, questions may arise about the caliber of opponents faced this year, prompting scrutiny over the true strength of Argentina’s defense.
Now, the quality of opposition for Argentina rises significantly. They will encounter a threat akin to the one France posed in the dramatic final in Qatar for the first time this year.
On Thursday, they are set to face a formidable Uruguayan side, boosted by their convincing victory over Brazil last month. With the addition of the in-form, all-time leading scorer Luis Suárez up front and José Mara Giménez returning to partner with Ronald Arajo at center-back, Rodrigo Bentancur returning to midfield, and José Mara Giménez, Uruguay has strengthened its team in all positions.
Argentina will face Brazil when they are done with Uruguay. While Brazil has an impressive record of never losing a qualifier at home, their team has been undergoing a period of instability in recent matches.
While Brazil remains a formidable opponent, despite their current form, will they beat Argentina? Leave a comment in the comment section.
