The reigning FIFA World Cup champions are back in action.
Argentina have two 2026 World Cup qualifiers this week, starting with Thursday night’s match against Paraguay in Buenos Aires. The match against Peru will be held in Lima on Tuesday.
La Albiceleste won their first two qualifiers last month, defeating Ecuador 1-0 and Bolivia 3-0. Argentina are currently trying to keep pace with Brazil, who lead the Conmebol qualifying standings.
But will national team coach Lionel Scaloni have captain Lionel Messi at his disposal for the match against Paraguay?
Will Messi play tonight against Paraguay?
Messi is a member of the Argentina national team, but it has not yet been determined whether he will play in the match against Paraguay.
Messi, 36, scored in the first round of Argentina’s qualifiers but missed the second leg due to scar tissue issues. The issue forced Messi to miss five of six games with MLS club Inter Miami.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to the pitch for Inter Miami on Saturday, coming on as a substitute in the 55th minute against FC Cincinnati.
Scaloni told reporters: “It’s important for him to have one more practice and we will talk to him and decide whether he will play or not, but first we have to talk to him and most importantly he is the starter.” We have to see if we can do it.” Wednesday.
“We have another game against Peru in four days and it is not so easy to judge whether he is available or not, but the important thing is whether he feels comfortable. If he’s not fit, it’s okay for anyone to take his place.” Similarly. “
What time does the Argentina vs Paraguay match start?
Argentina vs. Paraguay is scheduled for Thursday at 7pm ET.
On which TV channel is the Argentina vs Paraguay match broadcast?
The match will be broadcast in English on fuboTV and in Spanish on Universo.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature matches held at 16 venues across North America.