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Also called the El Clasico of South America; Argentina versus Brazil is always one of the most heated fixtures in international football. And this footballing spectacle is set to return on March 26, with Argentina hosting Brazil at the Estadio Monumental in Bueno Aires. However, one big question on everyone’s mind is the availability of Lionel Messi for this massive showdown. And to the disheartening knowledge of the fans, the World Cup winner will not feature in this latest match against Brazil. Messi had suffered a small abductor injury in his last Inter Miami match against Atlanta United, ruling him out of Argentina’s matches in this international break.
Alongside Lionel Messi, Brazil’s Neymar Jr. and Gabriel Jesus are two big names who will miss out on this fixture. Both the teams are coming off a win in their last World Cup qualifier match. Argentina won 1-0 against Uruguay with a goal from youngster Thiago Almada, while Brazil snatched a late-winner against Columbia, courtesy of Vinicius Junior, winning the match 2-1.
Racism isn’t even in our thoughts: Scaloni speaks to media before this highly anticipated clash
There has already been a lot of talk building around this fixture as Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni spoke to the media before this big game. Previously, there have been several incidents of racism and extreme fan reactions towards the players from both sets of fans, and with the match being held in Argentina this time around, Scaloni was asked about the same. He said, “Everyone wants to win but it shouldn’t go beyond that. Racism isn’t even in our thoughts.”
Not only from the fans perspective, but Argentina and Brazil matches are known to be extremely heated in terms of aggression and foul play. In the previous meeting between these two teams in November 2023, there were a total of 42 fouls committed by both the teams. The match ended with a 1-0 scoreline in Argentina's favour, with a goal from Nicolas Otamendi.
