Brazil and Argentina will lock horns once again as Lionel Messi's world champions face the struggling hosts in what is likely to be a fierce clash in the South American World Cup qualifying clash in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday.
Five-time World Cup winners Brazil will have the backing of their fans in a sold-out Maracana stadium as they look to recover from losing back-to-back games in the qualifying competition for the first time in their history.
With injuries to players like Neymar and Vinicius Jr, caretaker manager Fernando Diniz is likely to field a relatively inexperienced team against Argentina but one that will stick to Brazil's identity even against a great like Messi.
"Sure, you can't not worry about a player of that magnitude. But we have to play our game as we try to contain all the creative capacity he has," Diniz told a press conference on Monday.
"Dealing with Messi is obviously different and you have to worry. It's impossible not to worry about a player of his stature and the decision-making power he has."
Diniz expected a heated atmosphere at the Maracana, with the fans looking forward to Brazil avenging the Copa America final defeat by Argentina two years ago.
After failing to win their last three games, Brazil have slipped to fifth in the South American standings on seven points from five games after losing 2-1 to Colombia on Thursday. Meanwhile, Argentina are at the top of the standings on 12 points.
"I hope we play well and the fans can play along with the team creating a great environment," Diniz said.
"We are prepared to play a team that, if they are not the best (team in the wold), they are one of the best. And they have been for a while, not just because they won the World Cup.
"They have players in the biggest leagues, used to the limelight. And there's Messi ... It's a team that's been playing well for a long time, a winning cycle and one that has maintained its base.
"We acknowledge that and we're going to prepare to do our best against a great opponent."
