At the AFA stadium training session and during Lionel Scaloni’s press conference, Argentina packed their bags and headed to Rio de Janeiro to face a new day in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Focused and with a changed mindset, they aimed to quickly bounce back after consecutive losses to Uruguay and secure a victory at the Maracanã against a stumbling Brazil.
With corresponding security measures to protect the world champions, the national team arrived in Rio de Janeiro after 9 PM. A small but crucial breath of relief – about 200 to 300 Albiceleste fans welcomed them. A gentle drizzle added a subtle, yet significant touch to the long-awaited classic encounter. With Lionel Messi in a leadership position (in good spirits), he settled into the hotel to rest overnight, and tomorrow, on Tuesday, the highly anticipated encounter awaited.
Argentina has never defeated Brazil in the qualifiers. Besides the quest for recovery, the national team aimed to address the pending score from their last encounter in Brazil, where it was consecrated in 2021 at the Copa América. Four players who participated in that tournament are part of the qualifying match, with three losses and only one draw.
While Scaloni did not confirm the lineup in the press conference, it is expected that he might make several changes to the team, with the potential inclusion of Leandro Paredes, Angelito Di Maria, and Lautaro Martinez.
Another thrilling South American classic is on the horizon! The stage is set.