Lionel Messi scored in the opening 1-0 win over Ecuador but skipped the 3-0 win at Bolivia last month because of muscular pains that have also sidelined him from several matches for Inter Miami in the MLS. Vinicius Jr missed Brazil's first two games in South American qualifying but is back in the starting lineup after recovering from an injury. Lionel Messi a Doubtful Starter in Argentina’s Match Against Paraguay; Vinicius Jr Back With Brazil for CONMEBOL FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Brazil has struggled to find a world-class striker since the 2006 World Cup, when an out of shape but still deadly Ronaldo played his fourth and last edition.