'I could never stop him!' - Fede Valverde makes honest Lionel Messi admisison as he prepares to take on Argentina with Uruguay in World Cup qualifying

Uruguay are set to face Argentina in 2026 World Cup qualifying this week, and La Celeste captain has admitted that it will be impossible to stop Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami and Argentina star hasn't played a competitive match in almost a month.

Uruguay are currently second in Conmebol World Cup 2026 qualifying, five points behind Argentina and ahead of Venezuela and Brazil on goals scored. The Marcelo Bielsa-led side notched a famous win over Brazil in their last World Cup qualifying fixture.

In a pre-match interview, Valverde said he doesn't know how to slow down Messi — and could never do so when both played in La Liga: "I don't know how to stop Messi, I could never stop him. He is one of the best players in the world."

The midfielder also praised Suarez, who earned his first Uruguay nod since the 2022 World Cup: “From the first moment Suarez has given me the values and rules to succeed in the national team. He is an idol for Uruguay."

La Celeste will play two crucial qualifying fixtures this week, first travelling to undefeated Argentina, before hosting winless Bolivia as they look to tighten their grip on second place in the standings.