Just four days after his first appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs ended in shocking fashion, Lionel Messi is turning his attention back to Argentina as the reigning world champions resume 2026 World Cup qualifying against Paraguay on Thursday.

MORE – South America qualification scheme, table, hub

Inter Miami were eliminated in the first round of the MLS playoffs on Sunday when they were defeated 3-2 by Atlanta United in game 3 of the best-of-three series, prematurely ending the club’s record-breaking season club and Messi’s quest for a new season. national title. The last time he played for the national team, Messi scored a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Bolivia, giving him an astonishing 112 goals (in 189 appearances) in his illustrious international career – now exactly twice as many as any another player in the national team. The History of Argentina (Gabriel Batistuta – 56),

Argentina are closing in on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and sit at the top of the CONMEBOL standings with 22 points from 10 matches. Paraguay are sixth, one place and one point above the cutoff, as they try to qualify for their first World Cup since 2010.

How to watch Paraguay vs Argentina live, stream link and start time

Kickoff time: 6:30 PM ET Thursday (November 14)
Location: Estadio Defensores del Chaco
Streamlink: Fanatiz VS

Team news from Paraguay, focus

Antonio Sanabria leads the way with 3 goals, making Paraguay’s 75 perfect goals in World Cup qualifying. Yes, that’s four goals in ten games. It’s almost impossible to qualify for the World Cup score at that rate unless you concede goals just as infrequently. Four goals scored, four goals against. Three 1-0 defeats; no one has scored multiple goals against them. Three wins, all by one goal; only scored in 3 out of 10 games.

Argentina team news, focus

Messi leads all players (surprise, surprise) with 6 goals, not so closely followed by 36-year-old defender Nicolas Otamendi (3 goals) and forwards Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Gonzalez (2 each) who also contributed. Gonzalez is the main absence for Argentina this week as he recovers from a thigh injury

Paraguay vs Argentina prediction

The chances will be slim and it may end up being a set piece. Advantage: Messi and Otamendi. Paraguay 0-1 Argentina.