Marquinhos has warned Brazil that they cannot hope to halt Lionel Messi’s “genius” when they face Argentina at the Maracana.

Two longtime rivals will square off again in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, with qualification points for the 2026 World Cup on the line. It remains to be seen whether Messi’s international career will be extended to that tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

For the time being, he is very much a member of the Argentina team, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner hoping to add to his country’s record-breaking collections of 179 caps and 106 goals. Brazil is aware of the clear threat that Messi will bring to them if they cross his path again, but they also recognize that there is frequently nothing that can be done to keep his amazing ability hidden.

Marquinhos, who spent two years at PSG with the all-time great before the Argentine legend moved to MLS side Inter Miami, has informed media about the challenge he and his teammates will face in midweek:

“Messi is a genius and a special player, and he will always do great things despite his age.” As a friend and coworker, I thoroughly appreciated him in Paris and grew with him in all aspects. Unfortunately, Messi will be an opponent, and I spoke with my colleagues about limiting his participation in the game rather than stopping him. He is a terrific talent, and we must be cautious of him since Messi is at the center of everything Argentina accomplishes.”

Brazil will be anxious to beat Messi and company on home soil, since they have only seven points from five games so far, sitting sixth in the CONMEBOL qualification standings, with players like Neymar and Vinicius Junior out injured.