Led by Lionel Messi, the defending World Cup champions are set to clash with Paraguay in their next 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier. To close out this year's international calendar, all 10 CONMEBOL sides must play two more 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers during the November international break. One year after Argentina and Paraguay faced off in Buenos Aires, the two sides meet again in a match that means much more for La Albirroja. Sitting in sixth place in the overall standings, Paraguay needs a result against Lionel Scaloni's men to keep its World Cup hopes alive.
Securing at least a point against Argentina is easier said than done, even for a team that is unbeaten in its last four matches. After dropping points against Colombia and Venezuela in back-to-back matches, La Albiceleste returned to winning ways with a 6–0 victory over Bolivia to close out the October international break.
Without Lisandro Martínez to shore-up Argentina's backline, though, the match could feature action at both ends of the pitch. After being eliminated from the MLS playoffs with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi is now in "national team mode," ready to take on a new FIFA Date in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. His first stop will be against Paraguay, followed by a match against Peru to close out the year.
Messi's Record Against Paraguay
When he was still relatively unknown, the former FC Barcelona star debuted for Argentina’s U-20 team at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Buenos Aires in a friendly match against Paraguay’s U-22 squad. Messi came on for the second half, replacing Ezequiel Lavezzi, and quickly made an impact, scoring once and assisting twice in Argentina’s 8-0 win.
In a span of 13 matches against Paraguay, Messi has scored five times, though he didn't net his first goal against them until their fifth encounter. This came in 2012 in Córdoba, where Argentina, under coach Alejandro Sabella, won 3-1 in the World Cup Qualifiers for Brazil 2014. Messi continued to shine in qualifying matches. In 2013, he scored twice in Argentina’s emphatic 5-2 victory in Asunción, once again in the lead-up to the 2014 World Cup. He later added goals in the Copa América: once in 2015 in Chile (2-2 in the group stage) and again in 2019 in Brazil (1-1 in the group stage), with Lionel Scaloni as head coach.
His most recent match against Paraguay was in October of last year at the Estadio Monumental. Messi entered in the 53rd minute, replacing Julián Álvarez, in a game that ended in a 1-0 victory for Argentina. Overall, Messi's record against Paraguay includes six wins, five draws, and two losses.
A Look at the Lineups
Argentina hope to reestablish a commanding lead in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings as the Albiceleste take on Paraguay to begin the November international break. While Inter Miami's season may be over, the Herons will have players to root for on both sides of the coin as Lionel Messi leads Argentina as always against his young club teammate Diego Gomez. Messi's international side sit top of the table by three points but have been challenged hard by Colombia and Uruguay.
Paraguay could present a challenge for Argentina, having seemingly turned over a new leaf of late. The Albirroja sat 62nd in the FIFA rankings this past summer, their lowest in nine years, but have gone unbeaten over their last four games to rise as high as sixth in the qualification standings. That streak includes a win over Brazil and draw with Uruguay, but Messi and Argentina will present their toughest challenge yet. Paraguay are without a victory over the reigning World Cup champions since 2016, a winless run of five meetings.
Paraguay have very few fitness concerns to deal with as most of their regular starters are healthy and set to take the field. Lionel Messi's club teammate Diego Gomez has carved himself out a starting spot with the Paraguay national team, starting three of their last four World Cup qualifiers and scoring the winner in a 1-0 win over Brazil in September. He earns the start tonight yet again, moved up into a more attacking role thanks to the inclusion of Damian Bobadilla at the base of midfield.
Paraguay confirmed XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): R. Fernandez (GK) — G. Velazquez, G. Gomez, Alderete, Alonso — Cubas, Bobadilla — Almiron, Enciso, D. Gomez — Sanabria
Injured: None
Suspended: None
While his club season is now over after Inter Miami's elimination from the MLS Cup playoffs, Lionel Messi was included in the Argentina squad for these two qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru and is starting the match. The most notable absence for Argentina this international break is the exclusion of Paulo Dybala who was left off the roster due to a "tactical decision" according to Argentine reporter Gaston Edul. Dybala was left out of the Roma squad over the weekend against Bologna, and widespread reports indicate he was fit to play, angering the player and sparking rumors of a rift with the manager.
Nico Gonzalez is out, having missed the October international break as well with a thigh injury, while Lisandro Martinez withdrew from the squad due to a hip issue picked up over the weekend. Emiliano Martinez returns in goal after serving a suspension in the previous international break.
Argentina confirmed XI (4-3-3, right to left): E. Martinez (GK) — Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico — De Paul, E. Fernandez, Mac Allister — Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez.
Injured: N. Gonzalez (hamstring), Li. Martinez (hip), German Pezzella (undisclosed).
Suspended: None
How to Watch
Argentina are back in action on Thursday with a trip to Asuncion to face a tough Paraguay test with a chance to inch closer to a FIFA 2026 World Cup berth. Lionel Messi and company saw off Bolivia last time out with a hat trick plus two assists in a thumping. The Albiceleste cannot afford to ease up as they seek to finish top of the CONMEBOL section which they have not done in the last two qualifying phases. The Argentines rarely drop points, though, and Colombia as well as Venezuela last time out are likely to be those exceptions.
The Paraguayans are tough to crack these days with the Albirroja the last nation to keep Argentina at bay on the road back in 2021. There is plenty of needle in this one but rarely free-flowing soccer with just seven goals from the last seven meetings and goalless over the past two. Winning at home and being tough to beat away is usually the right combination to be in contention to qualify for the World Cup and the Paraguayans are on their way to doing that having beaten the likes of Brazil and drawing with Uruguay. Alfaro saw his side beat Venezuela after drawing with Ecuador which keeps them above Bolivia in the playoff spot and the 2-1 win over the Vinotinto was the first time in this edition that one of the Albirroja's games has produced more than one goal.
The Match Preview
Here are our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
Argentina lead the way in qualifying after a 6-0 thrashing of Bolivia which means that the Albiceleste are nearly there. Three points clear of Colombia and already in the 20s more or less guarantees a top-six finish while remaining points mean that the defending champions are close to sealing their World Cup return. Scaloni's men are strong on the road with 10 points from five away games which is better than any other nation this edition. Paraguay are currently in a qualifying spot and will want to stay there and they are very difficult to break down. Alfaro could take them to their first World Cup since 2010 based off the back of their mean defense which has garnered eight points from their last four games.
Paraguay: Alfaro is Argentine with many of his players playing club soccer in Argentina, and his squad is more or less unchanged from October. Antonio Sanabria is back in favor with Torino after scoring twice against Venezuela but Miguel Almiron, Julio Enciso and Ramon Sosa are all struggling to get the minutes that they need to kick on.
Possible Paraguay XI: R Fernandez; Caceres, G Gomez, Alderete, Balbuena, Alonso; Cubas, D Gomez; Almiron, Sanabria, Enciso.
Argentina: Enzo Fernandez is playing less for Chelsea so might not start while Giovani Lo Celso is back after injury and could come in for Lautaro Martinez. Emiliano Martinez is back from suspension though and replaces Geronimo Rulli in goal.
Possible Argentina XI: E Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo, Lo Celso, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez.
This has the makings of a memorable and narrow win for the home aside against their visitors who are more or less World Cup-bound already. A draw would not be s surprise but it just feels like the right combination could see the Albirroja sneak a win. Pick: Paraguay 1, Argentina 0.
Don't Miss the Action
The reigning World Cup champions are heading to Asuncion this Thursday to take on Paraguay in what's set to be a fantastic CONMEBOL qualifier. With Lionel Scaloni's squad at the top of the table and closing in on a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, Argentina is ready to keep the momentum alive and kick things up a notch as they defend their title. We all know Paraguay can be a tricky opponent, especially on home turf where the energy will be electric. They'll be fired up to spoil the night for Argentina and make their mark in front of the home crowd. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi and a squad filled with talent and championship experience, is riding high with sights set on that golden ticket to North America. With the confidence of champions and the skill to back it up, Argentina will look to bring their A-game. And as always, Messi fans will be watching closely, will we see some more magic from the GOAT himself?
