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 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.

Paraguayan Football Association manager Fernando Villasboa warned the home crowd to wear only Paraguayan shirts to the match.

Argentina are back in action on Thursday with a trip to Asuncion to face a tough Paraguay test with a FIFA 2026 World Cup berth on the line. Lionel Scaloni's men can book their return as defending champions with a win barely two years on from their success in Qatar.

In a surprising move ahead of Argentina’s clash with Paraguay, authorities have banned fans from wearing Lionel Messi jerseys in the stadium.

Just four days after his first foray into the MLS Cup Playoffs ended in a shocking upset, Lionel Messi turns his attention back to Argentina as the reigning world champions resume 2026 World Cup qualifying against Paraguay on Thursday.

Watch Paraguay vs. Argentina on Fanatiz. Paraguay enters this match riding a wave of momentum, having taken eight points from its last four qualifiers to sit in the sixth and fina