The Uruguay midfielder revealed he doesn't know how to stop Lionel Messi, ahead of his country's clash with Argentina on Thursday
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- Real Madrid midfielder admitted he doesn't know how to stop Messi
- Praised Luis Suarez after Uruguay call-up
- Uruguay play Argentina in 2026 World Cup qualifying this week
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WHAT HAPPENED?
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.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
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.
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WHAT VALVERDE SAID
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."
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WHAT VALVERDE SAID ABOUT LUIS SUAREZ
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."