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Messi, Neymar aim for World Cup qualifying amid Covid-19 pandemic

Ten teams are battling for four direct berths. Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia, in that order, start as favorites for those spots.

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If Messi leads Argentina to its third world title and first since 1986, it would finally win him a place in the hearts of Diego Maradona's faithful

AP | PTI
Lionel Messi and Neymar return to national team duty this week to launch World Cup qualifying campaigns that the South American superstars hope will lead to glory in Qatar in 2022.

If Messi leads Argentina to its third world title and first since 1986, it would finally win him a place in the hearts of Diego Maradona's faithful. At odds with Barcelona, the 33-year-old Messi will be the key for his team, beginning when they host Ecuador on Thursday.

Though younger than Messi, Neymar could also be approaching his final opportunities to lead Brazil to a sixth World Cup. Neymar