Another International break is almost upon us. South American teams will participate in the upcoming CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Uruguay will take on Argentina on Thursday, November 16 at the La Bombonera.
The Uruguay National Team captain Federico Valverde arrived in the country to take charge of the Celeste in their Qualifiers. The Real Madrid star was met by journalists at the airport. Valverde chatted about the classic match against Argentina, how to contain Lionel Messi, and his joy at Luis Suarez’s return.
Uruguay sit in second place in CONMEBOL’s 2026 World Cup qualifying, with five points from Argentina and three points from Venezuela and Brazil, having won their last qualifying game against Brazil.
‘We know the kind of team Argentina is‘
The Uruguay midfielder talked about the upcoming match against Lionel Messi’s Argentina. He said that he expects a complex match against Messi’s team.
“It’s going to be very difficult, we know the kind of team that Argentina is. They have Messi and we all are aware about everything he has achieved. Although we have to have respect for him, we are going to defend what is ours with humility as always. We have not achieved anything by beating Brazil, we have won an important match, but we did not win anything.”
‘Don’t know how to stop Messi‘
Valverde was asked about their plan to stop Lionel Messi. Messi has just won his 8th Ballon d’Or and will be a key factor in the Argentina team again.
“I don’t know how to stop Messi, I could never stop him. I had many games against him when he played in Barcelona and Casemiro (Real Madrid midfielder) was always a weapon that could beat Leo. You have to respect him because he is one of the best in the world,” Valverde said.
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‘Will always be grateful to Suarez’
Former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has been called up to the Uruguayan squad for the next two qualifiers. Valverde said he loves the prospect of having Suarez with the squad.
“I am happy that Luis can be with us. He is a reference, a star, an idol for all Uruguayans, to whom I will always be grateful for everything he helped me and the values that he has instilled in me,” Valverde said.
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