South American arch-rivals Brazil and Argentina go head-to-head in one of the biggest clashes of this international break. Lionel Messi’s return after a three-month ban makes this game a bigger spectacle. Tite’s team are without a win since lifting the Copa America while Argentina are unbeaten in their last five games. Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here.
Brazil have dominated this fixture in the last few years but they’re heading into this friendly match in the worst possible form. They are winless in their last four games since winning the Copa America. Neymar, Brazil’s best player, remains sidelined with the same hamstring injury sustained during the previous international break.
Messi’s return will be a major boost for La Albiceleste. The Barcelona captain is in brilliant form and will be aiming to banish some demons against the Selecao. Lionel Scaloni’s side have been in good form heading into this clash. Since losing 2-0 to Brazil in the Copa America semi-final, Argentina have won three and drawn two of their last five games. Can they beat Brazil for the first time since 2017?
Betting preview
Brazil have beaten Argentina in five of their last seven meetings. They’ve also drawn three of their last four friendly games. Argentina are unbeaten in eight of their last nine matches. Therefore, you can back Brazil Double Chance at odds of 1.35.
Both teams have scored both Brazil’s and Argentina’s last two matches. Brazil have seen both teams score in four of their last five matches, while also failing to keep a clean sheet since winning the Copa America. Scaloni’s side have scored in four of their last six matches including six in their last outing. You can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.80.
Together with Messi, Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez is one of Argentina’s most in-form players. The 22-year-old has scored 11 goals in 17 appearances this season in all competitions. He scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 4-0 friendly win over Mexico. For that reason, you can back Lautaro Martinez as Anytime Goalscorer at odds of 3.35.
Team news
Neymar is out due to a hamstring injury. Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is a surprise inclusion to the squad, while Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has also been included.
Messi should definitely start the game after hitting a hat-trick in Barcelona’s last game. Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso has been included once again despite his fitness struggles.
Possible line-ups
Brazil: Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Sandro, Arthur, Casemiro, Coutinho, Richarlison, Firmino, Jesus.
Argentina: Andrada, Foyth, Pazzella, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Ocampos, Paredes, De Paul, Messi, Martinez, Aguero