FIFA World Cup: Time for Brazil and Argentina to turn the tide

 The photo of Ronaldo running towards the corner flag in Yokohama, pointing his right index finger and smiling, hangs like a certificate. In 20 years, the world's collective memory has decreased to minutes. Eight summers ago, lionel-messi walked dolefully past the World Cup in the Maracana.

The 22nd edition of the event, which was Jules Rimet's ambition in 1930, will be held in Qatar for the first time in the Arabian Peninsula. The sports issue is whether the "winter" World Cup provides Brazil and Argentina a chance to challenge European hegemony.

The quadrennial event has halted the global football season midseason, and Europe is not pleased. In the last Finalissima, the Euro winners lost against the Copa America champions. Lionel Messi's Argentina defeated Italy at Wembley Stadium.

The European champions failed to qualify for Qatar after losing to North Macedonia. Messi, 35, wants to add one more prize to his overflowing collection. The Undisputed leads Argentina to Qatar on a 35-game undefeated record, including the Copa America final. Since July, they're unbeaten.

In December, Messi may reinvent Arabian Nights. Changes came quickly following Jorge Sampaoli's disastrous Russian campaign. Since their 1-0 Copa America final triumph over Brazil at the Maracana, the Albiceleste haven't lost. Lionel Scaloni has energized and enhanced Argentine with their 3-0 win against Italy. They're no longer just passing the ball to Messi and hoping for a miracle.

Rodrigo de Paul's seeking ball uncorked Brazil's defense, and Angel di Maria followed up. Messi scored against Italy. Martinez, Di Maria, and Dybala did. Scaloni worries about Dybala's fitness but wants him in Qatar.

Messi scored seven goals in Argentina's South American qualifiers (two from penalties). Messi's red-hot form is topic brulant at Paris cafés after four goals and seven assists in nine club outings. Scaloni: "He's always ready to enjoy the World Cup." "This shirt helps him play."

Scaloni, 44, helped Argentina win the Copa America after 28 years by building around Messi. Scaloni attempted to fix his predecessors' weak defenses. Nicolas Otamendi may be a problem, although Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Juan Foyth, and Nicolas Tagliafico all experienced.

Leandro Parades and De Paul have shown intelligence and vision in midfield during Giovani Lo Celso's injury. Messi's second wind may inspire Argentina as Diego Maradona did in 1986.

The Latin American duo might meet in the semifinals. Brazil are usual tournament favorites. It's Pele's legacy, and anybody wearing a yellow jersey can't change it.

Tite's decision to field nine attackers aroused global controversy. Each star is a maestro of tantrums and punishments. Neymar scored four penalties during Brazil's undefeated qualification run. Too young in 2014, he was eliminated in the quarterfinals. He was injured in 2018. Still, his attempt was insufficient because of poor backing.

Tite learned from his mistakes and drafted nine experienced goal scorers. With Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Raphinha, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Antony, the team is no longer a one-trick pony. Klopp called Martinelli, then 18, a "talent of the century." Under Mikel Arteta, he's become a fearless attacker.

No other club in the league can match their flair and skill. When the Europeans provide him a low-block, parking-the-bus system, Tite will release them. Keep things quiet in the rear with experience, not current form. With Marquinhos and Eder Militao, they've allowed only five goals in 17 qualifiers.

With Serbia, Switzerland, and Cameroon in their group, Brazil should finish first. Neymar will have the chance to exorcise the ghost of Kazan, where Brazil had nine shots on target to Belgium's three.

At 30, Neymar may have his finest opportunity to reply to critics who criticized his infantile petulance and disappointing showing. This time, Messi won't be carrying the cross alone.

Messi's fantasy run will finish beautifully. Brazil has waited too long since Yokohama. Set. Turning point?