Argentina, Brazil To Play Friendly At Melbourne Cricket Ground

Lionel Messi "looks set to return to the Melbourne Cricket Ground," according to the AAP. The Victorian government confirmed on Friday that "the Superclasico -- pitting world football heavyweights Argentina and Brazil -- will take place at the Melbourne venue on June 9." Victorian Sports Minister John Eren said, "We will have the best two teams clashing here at the MCG. I think it's going to be a blockbuster. It's going to be a sell-out." The match "will be an important hit-out for both sides ahead of South American World Cup qualifiers to be played from late August to October." Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza said, "There is 100 years of rivalry between Argentina and Brazil. These matches are always special" (AAP, 2/10). GOAL's Rupert Fryer reported June's match in Australia "will not carry the Superclasico title." Brasil Global Tour also confirmed that Brazil will play a second friendly in June, "the details of which will be announced at a later date" (GOAL, 2/9).