Lionel Messi and Argentina want to break Brazil's 70-year-old record

The Argentine National Team are facing, perhaps, the most difficult match they have in the South American qualifiers. At the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro they face Brazil, their main rivals in the continent. It is one of the most important duels in the world, since for decades both teams have been competing to win the Copa America and World Cup titles, in addition to having top-level stars.

For a long time, the Brazilians were considered the best in the world. In fact, no one has won as many World Cups as they have (5). But in recent years, with Lionel Messi on the field and thanks to the great work of coach Lionel Scaloni, the Argentines have shown better performances and achieved better results.

And particularly in this November international break they are doing much better. While Argentina have almost all their stars, and all of them at a good level in their respective clubs, Brazil are in trouble. Coach Fernando Diniz suffered the absences of Neymar Junior, Vinicius Junior, Casemiro, Eder Militao and Richarlison, all injured, in addition to Lucas Paqueta and Antony, with off-field problems.

That is why Messi and his teammates have a perfect opportunity to beat Brazil in Rio de Janeiro and consolidate their position as the leaders of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

It would be historic

Should they win, Argentina would break Brazil's 70-year record. They have never in history lost a World Cup qualifier at home. In the 1930, 1934 and 1938 tournaments, the countries were invited, so there were no qualifiers. In 1950 they were hosts and therefore did not need to compete to secure their place. And it was not until 1954 that they began to do so. Since then, no one has ever been able to beat them in their own country.