Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez, the leading scorer from the club’s Copa America title run, scored the opening goal in the 11th minute for the reigning world champions. But they were unable to find the back of the net again Thursday.

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

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.

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

Antonio Sanabria's spectacular bicycle kick, Omar Alderete's header give hosts narrow win against Lionel Messi-led Argentina - Anadolu Ajansı

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.

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.

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.