Argentina and Brazil Suffer World Cup 2026 Qualifying Losses Without Messi and Neymar

Argentina and Brazil Suffer World Cup 2026 Qualifying Losses Without Messi and Neymar

Both Argentina and Brazil faced unexpected defeats in their World Cup 2026 qualifiers, missing their star players Lionel Messi and Neymar. The absence of these football icons was felt as their teams struggled to secure wins.

Key Points:

• Argentina’s Defeat: Argentina, without Lionel Messi due to injury, suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat against Bolivia in their qualifier match. Despite being the reigning World Cup champions, the team struggled to find their rhythm without their captain and key playmaker.
• Brazil’s Loss: Brazil also faced a setback, losing 2-1 to Ecuador in their qualifier. Neymar, who has been dealing with injury issues, did not feature in the match, and his absence was evident as Brazil’s attacking efforts fell short.
• Impact of Missing Stars: Both Argentina and Brazil rely heavily on Messi and Neymar, not just for their skill but also for their leadership on the pitch. Their absence raised questions about the depth and adaptability of both squads as they navigate the road to the 2026 World Cup.
• Qualifying Campaigns in Jeopardy?: While both teams remain strong contenders for qualification, these losses highlight vulnerabilities that could impact their campaigns if injuries or absences persist. Both teams will need to regroup and adapt quickly to avoid further setbacks.
• Looking Ahead: The pressure is mounting for Argentina and Brazil to secure wins in their upcoming qualifiers. The return of Messi and Neymar will be crucial for both nations as they aim to solidify their positions in the World Cup race.

Source: Al Jazeera