Lionel Messi returns for Maracaná coronation against Brazil in crisis

Being cheered by fans of Argentina’s greatest rivals at the scene of his most painful defeat would be another career highlight.

Messi waves prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Uruguay.

Lionel Messi has felt many different emotions at the Maracanã. It was in the iconic Brazilian stadium that he suffered his biggest career defeat: the 2014 World Cup final. The loss brought strong criticism that shook the Argentina talisman for years. But it was also in Rio that he won the Copa América in 2021, his first title for the national team and which paved the way for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Two years after winning the South American title, Messi returns to the Maracanã on Tuesday (Wed 00.30am Irish time) for a World Cup qualifier at the perfect moment. Facing a Brazil in crisis, lost and full of instability since their elimination in Qatar, Messi could have his final coronation, with the recognition and applause of the rival fans in what is one of the greatest classics in world football.