The anticipation is building as one of the most storied rivalries in soccer is set to unfold in the latest chapter of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. For fans worldwide, the prospect of seeing Lionel Messi and Neymar face off once again is thrilling.
The anticipation is building as one of the most storied rivalries in soccer is set to unfold in the latest chapter of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. The matchup promises to be more than just another installment of Argentina vs. Brazil—it will also feature a long-awaited reunion between two of the sport’s most iconic players on the international stage.
For fans worldwide, the prospect of seeing Lionel Messi and Neymar face off once again is thrilling. Their last competitive international meeting dates back to the 2021 Copa America final, where Messi secured his first major international trophy in a dramatic 1-0 victory at the Maracana. Now, both players are poised to take center stage once more, this time with crucial World Cup qualification points at stake.
Argentina enters the match as the reigning World Cup and Copa America champion, sitting comfortably at the top of the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points from 12 matches. Meanwhile, Brazil finds itself in an unfamiliar position, currently fifth in the table with 18 points, making this a crucial fixture for the Seleção as they fight to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
For the latter, the return of Neymar is a significant boost. The forward had been sidelined from international duty since October 17, 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. His absence left a noticeable void in the squad, but after regaining fitness with his boyhood club Santos, the 33-year-old is back in the fold.
NEYMAR JR CONVOCADO! 🇧🇷🔟
O camisa 10 do Santos FC foi selecionado pelo técnico Dorival Jr para defender a Seleção Brasileira nos jogos contra Colômbia e Argentina, válidos pelas Eliminatórias. pic.twitter.com/jRnKO3e6D8
— Santos FC (@SantosFC) March 6, 2025
Brazil’s head coach, Dorival Junior, surprised many with his decision to include Neymar in the squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. However, the forward has shown promising form since his return to Brazilian soccer, scoring three goals and providing three assists in seven matches. His performances have reassured the coaching staff that he is ready to make an impact on the international stage once again.
Argentina’s strength: Messi and a dominant squad
On the other side, Lionel Scaloni’s La Albiceleste continues to dominate South American soccer. The reigning world champions have remained consistent in their performances, with Messi leading the charge despite recent injury concerns. While he missed matches for Inter Miami in the MLS, the Argentina captain is expected to be fully fit for the upcoming fixtures against Uruguay and Brazil.
Scaloni has retained much of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad, maintaining a sense of stability while also integrating young talent such as Claudio Echeverri and Máximo Perrone. Argentina’s success has been built on a combination of experience and youth, ensuring their continued dominance in the region.
When will Argentina vs. Brazil take place?
The Brazil-Argentina rivalry is one of the fiercest in soccer history, with both nations boasting a combined eight World Cup titles—five for the Green-Yellow and three for the White and Sky Blue. The latest installment of this legendary clash will take place on March 25, a date that has already been circled on the calendars of soccer fans across the globe.
