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’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Vinicius Júnior had frustrating nights in South American World Cup qualifying.

Lionel Messi's Argentina are reportedly set to be without defenders Cristian Romero and Nicolas Tagliafico for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Peru on Tuesday (November 19).

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.

How big Messi’s impact is can be gauged from the fact that Paraguay banned jerseys bearing the Argentina footballer’s name from entering the Estadio Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asunción.

Catch the highlights and scores from the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier between Paraguay and Argentina taking place at Asuncion.

Lionel Messi was captured in a heated confrontation with match officials during Argentina's unexpected 2-1 defeat to Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

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.