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 all started for the World Cup holders as they were stunned at Estadio Defensores del Chaco.

Paraguay defeated Argentina 2-1 in a South American World Cup qualifier with stunning goals from Antonio Sanabria and Omar Alderete. Argentina's initial goal was awarded after a VAR review. Paraguay's victory held despite several Argentine attempts,

A stunning bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria and a second-half header from Omar Alderete gave Paraguay a well earned 2-1 home win over Argentina in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

A stunning bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria and a second-half header from Omar Alderete gave Paraguay a well earned 2-1 home win over Argentina in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

World champions Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat to Paraguay while rivals Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at Venezuela as South America's big guns struggled in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Thursday.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina are down 2-1 against Paraguay in the first half for Matchday 11 of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at Defensores del Chaco stadium. Check out our live updates! Paraguay lead Argentina 2-1 for Matchday 11 of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at Defensores del Chaco stadium.