Brazil and Argentina ready for friendly as Messi returns from ban
SHOWS: RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA (NOVEMBER 14, 2019) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL)
1. (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) BRAZIL COACH, TITE, SAYING:
"He (Messi) has technical qualities that are impressive. And we have to recognise that strategically we have significant aspects. We don't neutralise a player of that level, we diminish his opportunities. But we also know that football is essentially a collective sport, and that a strong collective team will strengthen a Neymar, a Coutinho, a Firmino, a Willian, a Messi, an Aguero. We know that together at work this strengthens individuals. And regarding Messi, he's a unique player."
2. INSIDE THE KING SAUD UNIVERSITY STADIUM
3. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINA COACH, LIONEL SCALONI, SAYING:
"Our way of playing will be very close to the way we played in the Copa America with offensive players, while always taking into account the rival team. The fact that Leo (Messi) is with us will be important for us. For what he brings from the other team and also among his team mates. I think we are clear that he is an important player for us and I believe we have the tranquility that he is in good shape and he has been growing after not playing (in the national team) from the beginning. For us it's important that he is going to play this game, but I repeat we are not thinking a lot about how Brazil will play, but about how we want to play and how to hurt them (Brazil)."
STORY: STORY: Ahead of their international friendly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Brazil coach Tite has singled out a returning Lionel Messi for praise on Thursday (November 14).
Messi is set to return to the international fold with Argentina on Friday (November 15) after a three-month international ban for claiming the Copa America was 'corrupt' having received a red card in the third-place play-off match against Chile. Tite described Messi's qualities as impressive and that no side in the world could neutralise him, but rather only reduce his influence.
Meanwhile, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni stressed the importance Messi has on his side and that they would be focusing on their game instead of that of the Brazilians.
