Lionel Messi was involved in a 1-0 win over Paraguay last week. He played most of the second half despite struggling with muscular pains that started weeks before the game. Hence he remains a doubtful starter for Argentina’s next game in World Cup qualifiers against Peru.

Meanwhile, Neymar is under heavy criticism after his poor performance in a 1-1 draw against Venezuela last week. The match ended with some disappointed fans throwing popcorn at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá. He now faces a tough challenge as he has to show that he is back in form at the match vs Uruguay.

The upcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada is expanding to a 48-team format, meaning direct entry to the top six teams in South America. The seventh-place team will go on to perform an intercontinental playoff for a berth.

World Cup winner Argentina leads continental qualifying with 9 points, followed by Brazil (7), Colombia (5), Uruguay, Chile and Venezuela (4), Ecuador (3), Paraguay and Peru (1), and Bolivia (0).

PERU vs. ARGENTINA

The football legend took part of the morning session at his national team’s training ground, but it's yet to be known whether he will play against Peru. Messi has been suffering from muscular pains in his right leg recently which have sidelined him for several MLS matches for his club, Inter Miami.

Coach Lionel Scaloni might have to substitute either Julián Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez from the lineup that beat Paraguay to put Messi in for the game against Peru. Argentina might be playing Nico Gonzalez again in Lima.

URUGUAY vs. BRAZIL

Frustration of the Brazil fans was palpable as Brazil had a draw against Venezuela, a team that has never qualified for a World Cup. The Al-Hilal striker, Neymar who is Brazil’s all-time top goal scorer with 79 goals in official matches, was under fire after that encounter. He made several missed passes and sloppy finishes which was unexpected.

Brazil’s football tradition calls “pipoqueiro” (popcorn man) the players who fail to deliver in big matches. Neymar left the field in anger with fans throwing popcorn at him. He is likely to face Uruguay at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo on Tuesday.

Brazil’s new coach Fernando Diniz was also criticized after the draw with Venezuela. He will probably make three changes for the next round of qualifying, starting with the replacement of right-back Danilo who is injured, with Yan Couto. Left-back Guilherme Arana is expected to be substituted by Carlos Augusto, who will make his national team debut. Finally, striker Richarlison, who is having goal drought could be replaced by Gabriel Jesus.