World Cup 2022: Uruguay Must Win Over Argentina With or Without Lionel Messi

Uruguay vs Argentina

With only four guaranteed berths in the CONMEBOL World Cup 2022 qualifiers, time is of the essence for Uruguay if they have plans to fly over to Qatar next year.

Uruguay are in the midst of a two-game losing streak but there’s still hope for them since they’re placed fourth in the standings with 16 points, which is equal with fourth-placed Colombia – who also have a big game this week against leaders Brazil.

Their visitors in Argentina, meanwhile, are seating comfortably at the second spot with 25 points. But while there’s not much incentive to go all out in this game, a defeat at the hands of Uruguay is never an option for them.

These two proud nations have shared quite a historic rivalry in international football and this is definitely a can’t-miss match for all SBOTOP football fans.

Talking Points

Uruguay miss their strike duo

After a month of September to which they were unbeaten in all of their three games, Uruguay’s October was a whole different story. Oscar Tabarez’s side only managed to score one goal in their matches against Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil, which isn’t a great sign at all.

Luis Suarez has been carrying the load for La Celeste but it’s clear that he’ll need some help.

Uruguay are a team blessed with talent and they have the necessary tools to compete. However, the injury bug hasn’t spared them these past weeks.

Edinson Cavani is their most notable absentee as the Manchester United forward is currently dealing with a serious tendon problem.

After scoring for the Red Devils in their 3-0 win over Spurs last October 31, the Uruguayan was designated as a substitute in their 2-2 draw against Atalanta in their previous Champions League group stage fixture, and then he was forced to miss the Manchester Derby.

Other than Edinson Cavani, Oscar Tabarez faces a big selection headache since he’ll miss the services of other key players. Matias Vina, Sebastian Caceres, Fede Valverde, Nicolas de la Cruz, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and Maxi Gomez are also sidelined due to injuries.

Is Lionel Messi fit to play for Argentina?

Lionel Messi has yet to reach his peak form this season and he’ll look to do just that in representing Argentina once more.

The former Barcelona forward has been bothered by injuries these past few weeks, which is a clear indicator of his advancing age.

Leo Messi is still in doubts to represent Argentina in upcoming World Cup 2022 qualifier against Uruguay — Argentina star Leo Messi in action during their World Cup 2022 qualifier against Peru

He was seen on the training ground with La Albiceleste after missing last week’s Champions League group stage game against RB Leipzig, which left certain members from PSG’s management unhappy.

Sporting director Leonardo expressed his frustration about Messi’s return to the national team, saying that it doesn’t make sense given their superstar’s fitness concerns lately.

Messi has featured in just eight matches in all competitions for the Parisiens with only three goals under his belt – all from the Champions League.

So far, it looks like that he’ll play for Argentina this weekend. However, it remains to be seen on how manager Lionel Scaloni will utilise the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Argentina have gotten the better of Uruguay in their competitive matches this 2021, beating them with an aggregate tally of 4-0.

opacity 0

CLICK HERE
TO SEE UPDATED ODDS

World Cup

History

This weekend’s matchup is going to be the 192^ndedition of the Clasico del Rio de la Plata.

In the 191 games shared between these two heavyweights, Argentina have the advantage in the head-to-heads with 89 wins while Uruguay have won 57 times along with 45 draws.

Guido Rodriguez scored the only goal in their Copa America group stage matchup last June, while Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Lautaro Martinez joined forces in their 3-0 demolition against La Celeste last October.

Uruguay have yet to win against Argentina in more than half a decade, with their last victory dating back to October 2013 in what was a goal-laden affair.

Betting Tip

	Uruguay vs Argentina	Argentina Asian Handicap -0.00 @ 1.69
	November 13, 07:00 (GMT+8)

Argentina are the favoured side in the World Cup 2022 odds but they can’t let their guard down since their margin of error against Uruguay is not that big.

La Albiceleste are installed at 2.30 to win, while La Celeste are at 3.10 and a draw is at 3.05 in the 1X2 market.

This shaping up to be an intense, hard-fought battle between two South American juggernauts given the high stakes involved in this contest.

While this match can go either way, Argentina’s recent World Cup 2022 results are much better compared to Uruguay so we’re backing them to grab all three points.