Lionel Messi leads CONMEBOL’s Ideal Team this Wednesdayaccording to statistics from the region’s football matrix, in preparation for the double date South American Qualifiers Heading to the 2026 World Cup.
The No. 10 only scored a free-kick in the 1-0 win over Ecuador on his debut, but it was enough to earn him a place in an excellent eleven.
“Despite playing only one game, his free-kick goal in the opening match was key to Argentina’s victory over Ecuador. In addition, he led that game in dribblings, with a total of eight times”Conmebol states on its official website.
The world champions captain started against Ecuador at River Plate Stadium and was absent from La Paz’s 3-0 win over Bolivia due to muscle discomfort.
Messi is not the only Argentinian with a defender in the squad Cutie Romero and Nicolas Tagliafico, as well as forward Angel Di Maria.
“Romero is one of the two centre-backs with the most tackles (8), winning a total of 10 duels in the first days of South American qualifying”CONMEBOL explained.
“Tagliafico is the only left-back to score in the opening stages of South American qualifying and to score multiple times (3)”detailing the former Independence and Banfield squad.
Meanwhile, regarding Di Maria, he noted “He provided two assists against Bolivia. In addition, he and Neymar are the players with the most shot assists, with a total of 7 assists.”
The ideal formation for Conmebol is as follows: Camilo Vargas (Colombia); Alexander González (Venezuela), Cuti Romero, Félix Torres (Ecuador) and Nicolás Tagliafico; Matias Verasanti (Paraguay), Nicolás de la Cruz (Uruguay) ) and Neymar (Brazil), Lionel Messi, Rodrygo (Brazil) and Angel Di Maria.
Cover photo: @Argentina