This archive report was first published on 3 September 2021.
On September 2, 2021, Argentina's Lionel Messi led his team to a 3-1 win over Venezuela in Caracas, extending their unbeaten streak to 21 games.
This impressive run has given Argentina confidence in their ability to take on Brazil at home, having previously beaten them 1-0 in the Copa America final at the Maracana stadium in July.
"It’s special for the players to have the patch of champions on their chest, they fought so hard to win the Copa America,” Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni said. “The important thing is to not rest on our laurels.”
Brazil, meanwhile, has been on a roll, winning all seven of their first games in World Cup qualifying for the first time, earning 21 points and six more than Argentina in second place.
"Seven wins in a row is historic, we'll now hope to make it eight," said Everton Ribeiro, who scored Brazil's winner in their 1-0 victory over Chile in Santiago.
Despite being without nine of their England-based players, who were prevented from travelling by their clubs, Brazil is confident in their squad depth and aims to win the match.
"It will be hard fought game and so now we are going to rest to recuperate and get ready," said goalkeeper Weverton. "(Coach) Tite is going to prepare us well, it is a derby and a really difficult game and we hope to win one more, that’s our aim.”
