Messi fit for the clash against Brazil despite Martinez challenge

Lionel Messi

is fully fit for Argentina’s battle against Brazil notwithstanding

Luis Martinez

’s terrible tackle on the 34-year-old, according to

Lionel Scaloni

, the head coach.

Martinez’s tackle on the former Barcelona star resulted in him being sent off during Argentina’s 3-1 victory in World Cup qualifying game when Scaloni’s squad kept their unbeaten run.

Many doubted whether the Argentine would be available for the clash against Brazil, who are sitting six points top of the CONMEBOL standings following their seven victories in the qualifiers.

However, the head coach is certain the superstar would be present when he talked to the media on Saturday.

"

Leo is okay,"

he said. 

"This afternoon, we'll train and focus on the pitch. Those who played against Venezuela didn't touch the ball yesterday [Friday].

"We'll know 100 per cent this afternoon. In principle, he's fine. It was a big scare, but that's how it stayed."

Scaloni believes their encounter with the team Argentina vanquished 1-0 in the Copa America final is going to be extremely hard.

"

Whoever plays, they're important opposition. In no case do we minimise the game,"

he said.

"They're coming off an incredibly positive streak and they're at the same level whoever plays, with players of quality in every position.

"These are opponents of enormous quality, of enormous attacking power. If you're not ready for that, you can suffer. If you don't think the opponent can hurt you, you're making a mistake.

"We know that it can happen at some point, but we also know what we have to do when we have the ball. We only have one way to play: go deep with the ball into the opposition half."

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