Lionel Messi rejoins Argentina this week for a pair of 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The first match kicks off Thursday night against Paraguay at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Will Messi even play?
Maybe.
Messi returned to the pitch for Inter Miami on Saturday for a 1-0 loss to MLS Supporters’ Shield winner FC Cincinnati. The result eliminated Miami from playoff contention. Messi subbed on in the 55th minute for Tomás Avilés. Prior to that, Messi had missed multiple Inter Miami matches due to an old injury flaring up.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni told reporters Wednesday he would talk to Messi ahead of the Paraguay match to see if he was comfortable playing. The team’s second qualifier is Tuesday in Lima against Peru.
“I have to talk to him first and above all I have to be sure that he can start,” Scaloni told reporters.
Substitutions for Paraguay
Antonio Sanabria replaces Adam Bareiro and Braian Ojeda comes into the game for Álvaro Campuzano (71′).
Corner kicks for Argentina
Argentina tries two corners but neither yield a solid shot on goal (67′).
Messi enters the game
Messi has substituted in for Argentina for Julián Álvarez (53′).
Paraguay shot attempt wide left of goal
Paraguay’s Ramón Sosa sprinted down the right side of the box and fired a shot towards the Argentina goal but it sails left of goal (51′).
Another yellow for Paraguay
Paraguay’s Adam Bareiro is shown the yellow for a rough foul on Argentina’s Cristian Romero (50′).
