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

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.

Lionel Messi failed to score as Argentina were beaten 2-1 by Paraguay in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. The two goals of Paraguay also included an incredible bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria.

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, Julián Alvarez and Lautaro Martínez all started for the World Cup holders as they were stunned at Estadio Defensores del Chaco.

Messi saw off Bolivia last time out with a hat trick plus two ... 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 ...

Lionel Messi is set to play one of his final matches of the year on Thursday as Argentina face Paraguay in South American World Cup qualifying. Coach Lionel Scaloni has assembled a formidable attacking trio,