Rodrygo set to make Brazil debut in front of Messi in friendly against Argentina

Saudi Arabia will play host to Brazil's blockbuster clash with Argentina and Rodrygo Goes is set to make his international debut in front of Lionel Messi.

Two of the great footballing powers are due to meet in Riyadh on Friday evening and the teenage sensation has been rewarded for his fine domestic form with Real Madrid.

Neymar is missing the trip to Saudi Arabia as he continues his recovery from an injury picked up on the last international break, so the 18-year-old is set to be the creative focal point of Tite's team.

The entire 2019/20 season has been a baptism of fire for the teenager, making his Real Madrid debut and being forced into a team that was struggling for goals.

Having impressed Zinedine Zidane suitably this term, Rodrygo has emerged as a very important player for Real Madrid, and now he has the chance to cement a similar status within the Selecao, especially playing in such a high-profile fixture.

In Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus, Rodrygo will be ably supported in attack, although he will likely seek the advice of domestic teammate Casemiro.

Brazil haven't been able to rely on Neymar's fitness of late and in his continued absence there is hope that Rodrygo could be the breakout star of the future, especially with Pele having spoken glowingly about the teen prodigy.

Opposite Rodrygo, Messi will take the armband for Argentina in the fixture, and matches don't come any bigger for the Barcelona forward than a clash with his nation's fierce rival.

The last match between the two teams came in the semi-final of the Copa America during the summer, which Brazil won 2-0, although the story from the clash was Messi's rather uncharacteristic criticism of the officials.

Whilst the latest chapter in a long rivalry will be played on neutral soil, there is a lot of baggage being carried into this fixture from the summer, making it another incredibly intense situation for Rodrygo to walk into.