Lionel Messi failed to show up in the attack, and Paraguay's stars rose to the occasion as Argentina fell in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.

Lionel Messi returns to action with the Argentine national team Thursday night for a 2026 World Cup qualifying match on the road against Paraguay.

Lionel Messi, Julián Alvarez and Lautaro Martínez start for the World Cup holders as they travel to Estadio Defensores del Chaco.

Lionel Messis Argentina Fall to Paraguay in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, Brazil Held by Venezuela on Frustrating Thursday (November 14) for South American big guns.

World Cup qualifying leaders Argentina face a tricky trip to face Paraguay in Asuncion on Thursday night. Lionel Scaloni’s side are on the verge of securing qualification to the 2026 World Cup in North America, where they will defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022.

Paraguay will face Argentina in a Matchday 11 clash of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. Here's how to watch the game live, either on TV or through streaming platforms available in the USA.

Argentina pays a visit to the Estadio Defensores del Chaco to square up against Paraguay in the first of the two CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier games it'll play to close out 2024's international action.

Argentina are back in action on Thursday with a trip to Asuncion to face a tough Paraguay test with a FIFA 2026 World Cup berth on the line. Lionel Scaloni's men can book their return as defending champions with a win barely two years on from their success in Qatar.