"I don't know how to stop Messi" confessed this Real Madrid star before facing him

This week the November international break will begin and that is why the players are returning to their respective countries to join the training sessions of their national teams. In South America, two qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup will be played and one of the most interesting matches will be the one between Argentina and Uruguay in Buenos Aires.

At La Bombonera, Boca Juniors' stadium, the world champions will be looking for their fifth consecutive victory in the tournament. At the moment, they are the only leaders of the standings with 12 points, 5 more than their next opponents, Brazil and Venezuela. It will also be an ideal opportunity for Lionel Messi to celebrate with the Argentine fans his eighth Ballon d'Or, which he won mainly for his performances during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

However, it will not be an easy match for them. Uruguay have proven to be one of the best teams on the continent since the arrival of Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa. In fact, in October they beat Brazil in Montevideo. But the Uruguayans know that to win they will have to deal with one problem: Messi. The forward is shining in the qualifiers and is the top scorer with 3 goals, despite not playing half of the matches.

On his arrival in Montevideo, Federico Valverde gave an impromptu press conference at the airport. When asked about the precautions to be taken with the Argentine star, the Real Madrid midfielder confessed: "I don't know how to stop Messi, I've never been able to stop him. He is one of the best players in the world".

They have good news and bad news

The Uruguayan National Team will have back one of its stars, Luis Suarez, who had not been called up by Marcelo Bielsa in September and October. But Edinson Cavani, who suffered an injury during Sunday's match between Boca Juniors and Newell's Old Boys, will not be able to play.