Liverpool forward Neymar exited Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay with what appeared to be a severe knee injury. The former Barcelona star tripped and fell during a run in the first half in Montevideo and was carried off on a stretcher in tears, with Richarlison coming on to replace him. Per Brazilian broadcaster Globo, a medical team said the knee twist appeared severe and could lead to ligament damage.

It would be a massive blow for the 26-year-old, who signed a $300 million contract in August with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal and is set to play an entire season this winter. Injuries have dogged him since he arrived in the Middle East, including an ankle issue that required surgery last summer.

Neymar’s injury came in the 42nd minute of the game after he wrestled with Nicolas de la Cruz as he chased down a long ball from Maxi Araujo. The play looked like a foul, but referee Carlos Vela did not see it that way and awarded the hosts a free kick. Nunez opened the scoring in the resulting set piece, and Brazil’s night went from bad to worse two minutes later.

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Brazil’s leading goal scorer was clearly in pain and had to be helped off the field with the help of a stretcher, which was wheeled off the pitch by team trainers after he had been able to stand up and wave to the crowd. He used crutches as he left the stadium, and it will be interesting to see whether his injury proves serious.

The defeat left Brazil with no shots on target, losing for the first time in 37 World Cup qualifying matches. It also snapped an unbeaten record stretching back to 2015.

Lionel Messi, meanwhile, showed signs that he is nearing full fitness as he scored both goals in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Peru in Lima. The Barcelona superstar, who was included in the squad despite suffering from a muscle problem, debuted as a substitute in Thursday’s 1-0 win over Paraguay but was on the bench from the start for Tuesday’s match in Peru.

He put the world champions ahead in the 32nd minute with a superb shot and made it 2-0 10 minutes later with a fierce finish from Enzo Fernandez’s pass.

In the other games played on Tuesday, Venezuela cruised to a 3-0 win over Chile, while Paraguay beat Bolivia 1-0, and Ecuador and Colombia drew 0-0. The results leave Argentina at the CONMEBOL standings on seven points, with Brazil and Uruguay level in second place. They play each other on Nov. 16 in Montevideo.