Real Madrid and Uruguay national team midfielder Federico Valverde admits he doesn’t know how to neutralize Lionel Messi before facing Argentina in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
“I don’t know how to do that. I might never be able to stop Messi. We have faced each other many times in El Clasico. Back then, Casemiro was always a good weapon to neutralize Messi, but it wasn’t always successful. You have to respect Messi because he is one of the best players in the world,” Valverde said, quoted by Marca (Spain).
Uruguay will be Argentina’s guest on Friday morning, 17/11, Hanoi time. The match holds significant importance in the context of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Argentina is leading with four consecutive wins, while Uruguay is in second place after defeating Brazil 2-0 in the previous round.
Valverde and Messi have faced each other several times at the club level. While Valverde played for Real Madrid, Messi played for Barcelona and PSG. This summer, Messi joined Inter Miami. Despite being 36 years old, he continues to show his class, contributing significantly to Argentina’s World Cup victory in 2022 and winning his eighth Ballon d’Or in his career.
“We understand how Argentina plays and Messi’s level based on everything they have achieved. We must respect them and protect our honor,” Valverde commented.
In this gathering, Uruguay welcomes experienced striker Luis Suarez back to the squad. Despite leaving European football last year, Suarez has continued to impress with Nacional and Gremio. On November 9, he scored a hat-trick in 19 minutes, helping Gremio beat Botafogo 4-3 in the Brazilian championship.
“When I first joined the national team, Suarez always supported me, introducing values, principles, and necessary elements for success, not only in the national team but also in football. I’m happy he is back with the team and in the dressing room. Suarez is a star among other players and an idol in Uruguay,” Valverde said.
Valverde grew up in the youth academy of Penarol and was promoted to the first team in 2015. A year later, he joined Real Madrid, playing for the Castilla reserve team and on loan to Deportivo for two seasons. Since 2018, he has returned to Real and gradually secured a place in the first team. His most significant contribution was assisting Vinicius’ decisive goal in Real Madrid’s victory over Liverpool in the 2022 Champions League final.
