The coach says the absence of the four-time Ballon d'Or winner has complicated the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, but despite praise for Neymar he insists Brazil are not favourites
Argentina coach Gerardo Martino has admitted that the absence of "the best player in the world" Lionel Messi will impact his side against Brazil and Colombia. The Albiceleste face two key World Cup qualifiers after suffering a poor start to the Conmebol campaign, picking up just one point from six.
And the coach recognised that not having the Barcelona star for either of the games leaves his side with an uphill task.
"Whether you win or lose, the absence of the best player in the world will always be felt," he said in Wednesday's press conference.
"We had problems [with injuries] in the last international round and we have had them again. When you face a national team with such important players missing it is a relief for any side."
Despite being short of the likes of Messi, Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez, Martino insisted that Argentina could still prevail at home to Dunga's side.
"Brazil are not favourites, this is a derby and the conditions are the same for each team," he affirmed.
The Rosario native was Neymar's first coach in Barcelona after welcoming him to European football in 2013.
Asked about his former charge, Martino acknowledged that his improvement over the last two years had been exceptional.
"Every footballer needs time to adapt, I coached a very good Neymar," he pointed out.
"But right now, after a lot of development, the Liga title and the Champions League, he has almost reached the level of the two players we always place at the top, he is in brilliant form."
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