Brazil warned they can't stop 'genius' Lionel Messi as Marquinhos insists ex-PSG team-mate can 'still do great things' for Argentina

Two old adversaries will lock horns again in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday with qualification points up for grabs en route to the 2026 World Cup. It remains to be seen whether Messi will extend his international career through to that tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

He is very much part of the Argentina fold for now, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner looking to add to record-breaking collections of 179 caps and 106 goals for his country. Brazil are aware of the obvious threat that Messi will pose to them when crossing his path once more, but also acknowledge that there is often little that can be done when it comes to trying to keep his remarkable ability under wraps.

Marquinhos, who spent two years playing alongside the all-time great at Paris Saint-Germain prior to the Argentine icon's move to MLS side Inter Miami, has told reporters of the challenge he and his fellow defenders will face in midweek: “Messi is a genius and a special player, and despite his age he will always do great things. As a friend and colleague, I enjoyed him very much in Paris and developed with him in all aspects. Unfortunately, Messi will be an opponent, and I spoke with my colleagues not to stop him because that would not be the right word, but to limit his participation in the game. He is an amazing player and we must be careful with him because most of what Argentina does goes through Messi.”

Brazil will be desperate to get the better of Messi and Co on home soil as – with the likes of Neymar and Vinicius Junior nursing injuries – they have picked up just seven points from five games so far to sit fifth in the CONMEBOL qualification table.