20 November 2023 , 15:44
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Gabriel Martinelli admits it is going to be a "wonderful experience" to go up against Lionel Messi at the Maracana.
South America's hottest rivalry - Brazil against Argentina - will renew in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Brazil have failed to win in their last three outings with their most recent victory coming back in September. Argentina meanwhile lost for the first time since their World Cup triumph last time out against Uruguay.
Messi continues to be the leading light for his country, although his career is in its final years. Martinelli meanwhile is still approaching his peak and is becoming an increasingly influential figure for the Brazilians.
He's never before had the opportunity to share the pitch with Messi and, despite the rivalry that exists, is relishing the opportunity. The Arsenal star said: “About Messi... he is a phenomenal player, the best in the world this year again. I want to enjoy the moment of being able to play against him, being able to be in the same stadium as him, watching him up close because I've only seen him in video games. It's going to be a wonderful experience.”
Martinelli scored in the 2-1 defeat against Colombia a matter of days ago. The five-time World Cup winners are hoping to bounce back in Rio de Janeiro against the world champions, who lost for the first time since their shock reverse to Saudi Arabia.
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Boss Lionel Scaloni admits they are not unbeatable but has backed his team to show their battling qualities once again. “I think this team showed ample signs that it can get out of difficult situations," he said. "Here you lose and win as a team, there is no other way. There are times when you have to give credit to your rival.
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Gabriel Martinelli will encounter the Argentine for the first time"We cannot think that because we are world champions we will never lose. We are not unbeatable, I said it and I will continue to say it. The players feel backed by the support of the people, I hope it will always be like that.”
Argentina are currently top of the South American World Cup qualifying group with the next tournament taking place in 2026. They hold a narrow lead over Uruguay while Brazil are down in fifth having won two of their five games so far.