Even exceptional football players like Lionel Messi are not exempt from the common phenomenon where players who have been out of action for an extended period are often regarded with uncertainty upon their return. Following a break with Inter Miami, Messi has only played once in the last 25 days, prompting doubts about his fitness for the upcoming game against Uruguay.
However, Argentina National Team coach Lionel Scaloni has provided a relevant update on his availability, as Lionel Messi is set to re-unite with Luis Suarez who returns to the Uruguay squad in preparation for this blockbuster duel.
Will Lionel Messi start against Uruguay?
Lionel Messi has been inactive for some days now, having played only one match in at least 20 days; hence, there were doubts regarding his fitness for the Uruguay game, but all doubts have now been dispelled as the 8th-time Ballon d’Or winner is poised to play against Uruguay in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier, as confirmed by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
Despite the fact that Messi has only participated in “a game in the last 25 days.” Messi’s most recent appearance was in Inter Miami CF’s 2-1 defeat to New York City FC during the Noche d’Or celebration on November 10, but he has now been confirmed as a potential feature in the upcoming contest against Uruguay.
“Messi is fine, he is doing well,” Scaloni said in Thursday’s news conference. “Beyond the fact that he played a game in the last 25 days, he has been training normally, he is in good condition and he is fine.”
This is not the first time there has been concern about Messi’s availability in recent times. There were once doubts of his starting position against Peru, yet he made it. Hence, this is also is a remotely positive indication to Messi’s availabily.
At 36 years old, Lionel Messi secured a record eighth Ballon d’Or after leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup. Despite this remarkable achievement, there were debates about whether the Inter Miami star deserved the award over Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Haaland notably guided City to a remarkable treble, securing victories in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and English FA Cup.
“Some do it to debate a little, but I don’t think there is a debate,” Scaloni said. “I don’t understand. If everyone said ‘the best, the best’ there would be no debate.
“Leo was always the best.”
Lionel Messi has conveyed his intention to persist in representing Argentina, with plans to join Ángel Di María in donning the Albiceleste jersey for the 2024 Copa América.
Argentian and Uruguay rivalry explained
The rivalry between Argentina and Uruguay is age-old and intense, often resulting in heated encounters and memorable moments. The origins of this fierce competition can be traced to the geographic proximity of the countries, a shared rich history, similar cultures, and a common language—Spanish.
The fierce contest between Argentina and Uruguay marked the inception of the original El clasico. It has always been so competitive that it was termed the battle of the Río de la Plata or the battle of the River Plate.
The first official meeting of these two sides was in July 20, 1902 and it was also the first international match outside the British Isles, where Argentina registered a resounding 6-nil victory over Uruguay.
In certain instances, the two teams engaged in a unique practice of playing two matches on the same day—one in Buenos Aires and the other in Montevideo. Notably, during this period, a significant portion of players on both teams were Englishmen.
As time progressed, individuals of Spanish, Italian, and native descent from Argentina and Uruguay developed a profound affection for the beautiful game, imprinting it with their distinctive styles that reflected subtle differences on either shore.
The game is set to be a competitive one between both sides. Which team will come out on top? Tell us your predictions in the comment section.
