Argentina and Brazil look for Neymar, Messi alternatives for WC qualifiers

There will be no Lionel Messi for Argentina and no Neymar for Brazil in two decisive rounds of South American World Cup qualifying.

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Ahead of games against tough rivals, coaches Lionel Scaloni and Dorival Junior are still wondering who will replace their stars.

Defending champion Argentina, the leader with 25 points after 12 matches, could secure their place in the 2026 World Cup within days. They play at second-place Uruguay on Friday.

Argentina then host Brazil in Buenos Aires next Tuesday. The last time the two South American powerhouses clashed, Argentina won 1-O at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

On Friday, fifth-place Brazil hosts fourth-place Colombia. Also this week, Paraguay will host Chile, Peruwill take on Bolivia, and Ecuador hosts Venezuela.

The top six teams will secure direct berths to the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The seventh-place team among the IO of the region will still have a chance to qualify through an international playoff.

Brazil could end this month securing its spot in the next World Cup or lagging in seventh place. That means pressure on coach Junior.