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Published: 10:51, September 05, 2021 | Updated: 11:28, September 05, 2021
Messi injury fears downplayed ahead of Brazil-Argentina duel
By Xinhua
Published:10:51, September 05, 2021 Updated:11:28, September 05, 2021 By Xinhua

Argentina's Lionel Messi eyes the ball during the South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 against Venezuela at the UCV Olympic Stadium in Caracas on September 2, 2021. (EDILZON GAMEZ / POOL / AFP)

SAO PAULO - Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said Saturday that he is likely to make several changes to his starting lineup for the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Brazil, but played down fears about the fitness of captain Lionel Messi.

The clash at Sao Paulo's Corinthians Arena on Sunday comes just three days after Argentina beat Venezuela 3-1 in Caracas and Brazil overcame Chile 1-0 in Santiago on the seventh matchday of South American qualifiers.

The clash at Sao Paulo's Corinthians Arena on Sunday comes just three days after Argentina beat Venezuela 3-1 in Caracas and Brazil overcame Chile 1-0 in Santiago on the seventh matchday of South American qualifiers

"The idea is to make some changes because of the short interval between matches," Scaloni told a virtual news conference on Saturday. "We will make a decision depending on how the players are after training."

Scaloni said he was confident Messi would start despite fears for the 34-year-old's well-being after he was scythed down by Adrian Martinez in the first half of Thursday's match at Estadio Olimpico.

ALSO READ: Messi fit to play for Argentina despite lack of game time

The defender received a straight red card for the studs-up challenge, which struck Messi just below the left knee and left him unable to stand up for almost five minutes.

"Leo is fine, it was a big scare, but he will train and we will know on the pitch if he is 100 percent, but I think he'll be okay," Scaloni said.

Sunday's qualifier will be the first meeting between the arch rivals since the Copa America final in July, which Argentina won 1-0 at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium.

Brazil currently lead the 10-team South American qualifying group with seven wins from as many matches, six points ahead of second-placed Argentina.

The top four teams will earn a berth at football's showpiece tournament in Qatar next year while the fifth ranked side will advance to an intercontinental playoff. 

READ MORE: Messi makes Ligue 1 debut as Mbappe shines for PSG

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