Neymar Out for Crucial Brazil vs Argentina Clash in World Cup Qualifiers

Buenos Aires, Argentina — Brazil‘s national soccer team will face Argentina in a high-stakes match on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, without one of its key players, forward Neymar Júnior, who has been sidelined due to a thigh injury. The game, part of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, will kick off at 21:00 local time at the Estadio Monumental.

Neymar’s absence comes after he experienced discomfort in his left thigh, a lingering issue that has kept him out of action since March 2. He last played for his club, Santos, against Red Bull Bragantino in the Campeonato Paulista quarterfinals, where he scored. Following that match, Neymar appeared only on the bench during Santos’ elimination by Corinthians on March 9.

Despite being called up for the national team on March 6 by head coach Dorival Júnior, Neymar was officially dropped from the lineup on March 14 due to his ongoing muscular troubles. Throughout the early part of 2025, since returning to Brazilian soccer, Neymar has participated in seven matches, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

“Neymar is central to our game plan,” Dorival recently stated in a press conference. “His absence is a significant loss, but we have to adapt and move forward.”

In Neymar’s place, João Pedro recently filled in as a forward during Brazil’s recent 2-1 victory over Colombia on March 25. For the matchup against Argentina, Matheus Cunha is also being considered as a possible replacement.

Brazil currently stands third in the South American qualifiers with 21 points, trailing Argentina, which leads the group with 28 points. The stakes for this match are high, as Brazil has not beaten Argentina in an away qualifying match for 16 years, with its last victory occurring in 2009.

The rivalry between Brazil and Argentina has historically featured prominent players, including Neymar and Lionel Messi, but this match marks a rare occasion with both stars unavailable due to injury. The last encounter between the two national teams without either player occurred nearly 20 years ago, on July 29, 2005, when Brazil defeated Argentina 4-1 in the FIFA Confederations Cup final.

While the current situation poses challenges for both teams, it also opens the door for new talent. “We have promising young players who are eager to step up,” said Dorival. “This is an opportunity for them to shine on a big stage.”

With the absence of both marquee players, the spotlight shifts to the rest of the squads. Brazil will look to solidify its position in the qualifiers and disrupt Argentina’s march towards a spot in the World Cup. The match is expected to draw significant attention, underscoring the historic nature of the rivalry.