Argentina, Brazil seek replacements for Messi, Neymar injuries

Argentina and Brazil are preparing for important World Cup qualifying matches without their star players, Lionel Messi and Neymar. This absence puts pressure on coaches Lionel Scaloni and Dorival Júnior to find effective replacements. Argentina currently leads the qualifying round with 25 points but will need to perform well against Uruguay to secure a spot in the World Cup. Their match is scheduled for Friday. Brazil, on the other hand, is in fifth place and faces Colombia on Thursday. They need to win to improve their position and potentially qualify for the tournament. Brazil's coach is experimenting with different formations to adapt to Neymar's absence. He is considering using Savinho, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Júnior in the starting lineup. He has also mentioned possibly moving Raphinha into a forward position if needed. Argentina might use Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez together as a powerful attacking duo. With Messi out due to a muscle injury, Scaloni has to decide how best to fill the gap. Some key players may need to avoid yellow cards against Uruguay to stay eligible for the next match against Brazil. Following their game against Uruguay, Argentina will play a friendly match against a local U-20 team to raise funds for a hospital rebuild after a recent storm disaster.