International Friendly: Returning Messi Hungry for Revenge over Slumping Brazil

Brazil vs Argentina

South American giants Brazil and Argentina are set to renew their storied rivalry in an international friendly in Saudi Arabia.

Brazil, the reigning Copa America champions, have been unconvincing in recent matches will once again be without talisman Neymar, who picked up an injury in the previous international break.

On the other side, Argentina will welcome back superstar forwards Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi as they look to avenge their Copa America defeat to their bitter rivals.

But despite Messi’s return, the international friendly 2019 odds are tilting toward the Selecao, who will be desperate to get back to winning ways after recent setbacks.

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Talking Points

Brazil bring in Real starlet with Neymar out

Brazil’s international friendly 2019 results since winning the Copa America have not been impressive, to say the least. After a draw against Colombia and a shock 1-0 defeat to Peru in a Copa final rematch, they drew both of their friendlies in Singapore against Senegal and Nigeria.

Brazil boss Tite’s big problem is still finding consistency in attack. Despite his stellar performances for Liverpool, Roberto Firmino has been unable to recreate that form in Brazil’s system. Gabriel Jesus, despite scoring 18 goals in 37 caps, is also having a hard time.

Rodrygo and Wesley were added into Brazil squad as replacement for Neymar in the upcoming International Friendly — Neymar picked up a thigh injury during their match against Nigeria

And with Neymar still out with a thigh injury he picked up against Nigeria, Tite has brought in a couple of new forwards in Rodrygo and Wesley into the squad to help bolster the attack.

Rodrygo, the Real Madrid teen sensation, recently became the youngest player ever to record a perfect hat-trick in the Champions League. With Neymar out, he could potentially win his first cap against Argentina.

Aside from those two, Tite has also brought in a couple more new faces in Wesley’s Aston Villa team-mate Douglas Luiz, as well as Real Betis defender Emerson.

With captain and right-back Dani Alves also not part of the squad, Thiago Silva will likely lead the side out and will play alongside PSG team-mate Marquinhos. Meanwhile, the Juventus pair of Danilo and Alex Sandro will likely start at full-back for a Brazil defence which has failed to keep a clean sheet in five straight matches.

Messi, Aguero return for Albiceleste

Undoubtedly the big headline for Argentina heading into this match is the return of Lionel Messi. The Barcelona superstar has served out his three-month suspension after accusing CONMEBOL of corruption at the Copa America.

Messi is also joined by Sergio Aguero, who hasn’t featured for Albiceleste since their Copa America third-place playoff win against Chile.

But Argentina have fared just fine without their two superstars. They beat Mexico 4-0, came back from a two-goal deficit to draw with Germany and thrashed Ecuador, 6-1.

A trio of young Argentine attackers has stepped up in Messi and Aguero’s absence. Lautaro Martinez bagged a brilliant hat-trick against Mexico. Meanwhile, Lucas Alario and Lucas Ocampos have both scored in each of Argentina’s last two friendlies.

Ocampos has been in sensational form for Sevilla, scoring in three of his last four games. He’s currently the team’s leading scorer this season with five goals.

Those relative newcomers will most likely make way for Messi and Aguero in the starting XI. Messi hasn’t scored for his country since a 1-1 draw with Paraguay in the second match of the Copa.

However, he’s been banging in the goals for Barca of late. After his brilliant hat-trick against Celta Viga on the weekend, Messi has now scored eight goals in his last seven appearances, to go along with three assists.

History

Brazil still hold the slight edge over Argentina in the overall head-to-head with 46 wins to 39, with 25 draws.

They’ve been able to extend that lead by winning four of their last six meetings. That includes their 2-0 win in the Copa America semi-finals. Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino both got on the scoresheet in that match.

Betting Tip

	Brazil vs Argentina	Argentina 1X2 @ 3.05
	November 16, 01:00 (GMT+8)

SBOBET odds still have Brazil as slight favourites at 2.37 to come out on top in Saudi Arabia. Argentina are priced at 3.05 to win, with the draw at 3.00.

While Brazil got the better of Argentina at the Copa even without Neymar, their recent form is certainly a cause for concern. With Messi and Aguero back in the fold, the Argentines simply have so much more attacking firepower than Brazil that it’s hard not to back them.

I expect Messi to mark his return to Albiceleste with a strong performance against the Selecao and avenge their semi-final defeat.