Brazil’s Rodrygo feels ready to step up against Argentina

Rio de Janeiro, Nov 18 : Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Silva de Goes said Saturday he is ready to assume greater responsibility within Brazils national team ahead of his sides FIFA World Cup qualifier Argentina.

Rodrygo will be his teams chief attacking threat at the Maracana stadium on Tuesday in the absence of injured teammates Neymar and Vinicius Junior, reports Xinhua.

Neymar underwent surgery on his left knee earlier this month while Vinicius suffered a hamstring tear in Brazils 2-1 loss to Colombia on Thursday.

"Its only natural that the responsibility on me will increase," Rodrygo told a news conference.

"We were already without Neymar and now Vini is out too.That means people will expect more of me and I hope to reciprocate.Im working as hard as I can and Ill be giving my best [on Tuesday].

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Reigning world champion Argentina currently leads the 10-team South American qualifying group with 12 points from five games while Brazil is fifth with seven points.

Rodrygo described the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina as "special" and lavished praise on eight-time Ballon dOr winner Lionel Messi.

"Games between Brazil and Argentina are always different," he said."Even though Ive participated in important games, this will definitely be one of the biggest Ive played in.

"Messi is one of the greatest players in the history of football.We respect him a lot because of everything hes done and still does.

Hes one of the greatest players ever and were going to be very careful with him."

Rodrygo revealed that he could again be deployed as an attacking midfielder against the Albiceleste, as he was against Colombia in Barranquilla.

"Ill try to adapt to the No.10 role if thats what is asked of me," the 22-year-old said."Its about trying to seize this opportunity in the best way possible.

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bc/