Argentina visits the Estadio Defensores del Chaco to take on Paraguay in the first of the two CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers it will play to conclude the 2024 international action.

Lionel Messi will be hoping to put Inter Miami’s surprise elimination in the MLS Cup play-offs behind him in what will be his final two games of the calendar year. Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s previous match against Bolivia and he currently leads all goalscorers in the South American qualifying campaign with six.

It would be a mistake to underestimate Paraguay. La Albirroja climbed to sixth in the standings thanks to a four-match unbeaten streak. In the last two home games, Paraguay came away with the three points against Venezuela and, even more impressively, against Brazil.

Lionel Scaloni will be without two of his regular defensive options as Lisandro Martínez and Germán Pezzela were forced out of the squad due to fitness issues. Emiliano Martínez returns after serving his two-match suspension to strengthen the thin backline.

Despite the absence, Scaloni has enough talent to secure his defense. The main question will be whether he decides to play with four midfielders or stick with the three attackers who guided La Albiceleste to a 6-0 win last time out.

GK: Emiliano Martínez—Dibu returns to his usual role between the sticks after winning his second consecutive Yashin Trophy.

RB: Nahuel Molina—Molina has become a permanent fixture in Scaloni’s team. A solid piece covering Argentina’s right flank.

CB: Cristian Romero—The injuries in defense make it easier to predict Argentina’s central defender. Cuti is Scaloni’s trusted defender and his physicality will be needed against Paraguay.

CB: Nicolás Otamendi—The experienced defender will play alongside Romero in what is undoubtedly Argentina’s best available centre-back squad.

LB: Nicolás Tagliafico—Tagliafico remains firmly in control of the basic role as left back. The OL Lyon player has been very strong in Ligue 1 so far this season.

CM: Enzo Fernández—Chelsea’s enigma usually saves his best for Argentina and will once again be the midfield metronome in Scaloni’s side.

CM: Alexis Mac Allister—The Liverpool midfielder will be looking to earn his first assist for club and country in the 2024-2025 season.

CM: Rodrigo De Paul—The engine of Scaloni’s side completes the usual trio in midfield, a trio that has dominated the qualifiers so far.

RW: Lionel Messi—The Argentina captain hopes to score his first goal against Paraguay since the 2019 Copa América.

ST: Lautaro Martínez—If Scaloni prefers a three-striker formation, Martínez will once again step in from the start and complete one of the most dangerous front threes in international football.

LW: Julián Álvarez—La Araña made the difference in Atlético Madrid’s victory over Mallorca this weekend. With Martínez in the lineup, Álvarez usually slides to the wing to start his runs from Argentina’s left flank.

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