Brazilian media have hailed Fabinho after he 'commanded the midfield' against Argentina and PSG star Lionel Messi. Liverpool’s midfield enforcer Fabinho shone against Messi as South American rivals Brazil and Argentina played out a 0-0 in South American World Cup qualifying.
While games between Brazil and Argentina are typically renowned for their attacking flair, the meeting between the two South American rivals on Tuesday night was a grinding battle. Both sides eventually scrapped a 0-0 draw at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario. It was the defensive stars who made headlines rather than the more flamboyant players such as PSG's Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr..
Fabinho was a standout performer on the night after he seized his chance to stake a claim for a starting spot following Casemiro's suspension. With Manchester United’s Fred in midfield, Fabinho shut down opposition attacks and blunted Messi's impact.
This comes after the PSG star notably led Argentina to beat Brazil and win Copa America glory in the summer.
It was therefore no surprise that Fabinho received lots of praise and admiration after the game. Sports Witness posted a headline where it suggested the Liverpool star "nullified Messi". The report stated that Fabinho made six tackles on a night where he "commanded the midfield."
Globo Esporte also gave Fabinho the joint-highest post-match rating in their coverage, with his 7/10 score only equaled by his midfield partner Fred.
Both sides have already qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. While Brazil are sitting pretty at the top of the table, Argentina are in a strong position to finish second place in the CONMEBOL qualifying group.
In recent weeks, Messi's decision to join the Argentina squad has upset the higher-ups at PSG who are worried about the star's fitness and current health. Although the star missed PSG's last two games due to injury, he made it to South America to play in Argentina's games against Uruguay and Brazil.
PSG director Leonardo recently spoke about Messi's situation to the press:
kingoffootballmessi
126
Chill messi was just back from an injury, he would've danced with their defense
zeceiuz
90
😭😭😭😭😭
Lidclrtuyz
69
Where’s HE on this day 07/11/2021 unforgettable day 😂 😂
LIVING-TRIBUNAL
42
its not a big deal this days, messi is washed
SudaisSalah
41
Fabinho is best at that,we're proud to have him at Liverpool
Reednivol
35
If this is the best image of “Nullifying “ Messi then you are just plain haters. I see a beaten Brazilian who is fouling
Sivarockz
21
😭😭😭😭😭
[image]
like Serbia defenders pocketed ronaldo ,no single shot on target [Crylaugh]
loubepyz
12
But the picture shows Fabinho dragging Messi back with his hand after Messi has dribbled passed him
Fauzisma
10
Brazilian media hailed Fabinho for doing this😂😂😂😂
tadbeklnrt
9
Vinicius is far better than your whole Barcelona team 😅😂
Did you see what Di Maria did to him?? Lmao😂💔😂💔
tiscikrstz
8
Chill messi was just back from an injury, he would've danced with their defense
y'all messi fans would never just agree to one truth ... Are there no matches that messi was being held throughout the match even when he was 100% fit... stop bringing stupid excuses
thegreat1ne
8
Vinicius is far better than your whole Barcelona team 😅😂
hahahahahahaha great joke lol