Brazil vs Argentina lineups: Predicted XIs as Lionel Messi returns and Rodrygo set for debut

Lionel Messi makes his Argentina return after a three-month ban and Rodrygo is expected to debut for Brazil in Neymar's absence in the Superclasico de las Americas in Riyadh on Friday.

The Barcelona forward has not featured for the Albiceleste since he was sent off in the third-place game against Chila at the Copa America in early July.

After his team’s 2-1 win, the Argentina captain made some controversial comments in which he accused Conmebol of corruption following some questionable refereeing decisions in the teams’ semi-final loss to Brazil.

Having served his ban, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner returns for the friendly in Saudi Arabia and is expected to start in a strong side.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is also in line to feature from the outset, but Inter Milan attacker Lautaro Martinez is doubtful and could be replaced in the XI by Juventus’ Paulo Dybala.

For Brazil, Neymar is still out with a knock picked up against Nigeria last month and the Paris Saint-Germain forward’s absence could mean a debut for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, although coach Tite may opt to start with Willian and hand the 18-year-old an opportunity from the bench.

Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus is available again after a two-month ban for his red card and antics in the Copa America final, when he protested to the referee and pushed the VAR monitor as he left the pitch.

Brazil predicted XI: Alisson; Danilo, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Arthur; Gabriel Jesus, Coutinho, Rodrygo; Firmino

Argentina predicted XI: Andrada; Foyth, Pezzella, Otamendi; Ocampos, Paredes, Paul, Acuna; Messi, Aguero, Dybala

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