Messi, integral to Argentina s flawless qualifying record, is expected to start in this crucial encounter. Despite a recent friendly with Inter Miami, where he played the full duration, questions linger about his fitness. The friendly, dedicated to Messi s eighth Ballon d Or win, served as a platform for him to fine-tune his form before donning the national jersey.
Lionel Messi was among the scorers as Argentina beat rival Uruguay 3-0, hours after Brazil s run of consecutive wins in South American World Cup qualifying ended in a 0-0 with Colombia.