Argentina will be hoping to re-establish a dominant lead in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings as the Albiceleste take on Paraguay to start the November international break.

While Inter Miami’s season may be over, the Herons have players on both sides of the coin as Lionel Messi leads Argentina as always against his young teammate Diego Gomez. Messi’s international team is three points ahead of the table, but was heavily challenged by Colombia and Uruguay.

Paraguay could pose a challenge for Argentina after seemingly turning over a new leaf of late. The Albirroja were 62nd in the FIFA rankings last summer, their lowest in nine years, but have gone unbeaten in their past four matches and have even risen to sixth in the qualifying standings.

That run includes a win over Brazil and a draw against Uruguay, but Messi and Argentina will present their toughest challenge yet. Paraguay has not won against the reigning World Cup champions since 2016, a winless run of five meetings.

The Sporting News brings you the latest team news and confirmed starting lineups for both teams in this South American match.

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Lineups Paraguay vs Argentina, starting from eleven, team news

Paraguay have very few fitness issues as most of their regular starters are healthy and ready to take the field.

Lionel Messi’s teammate Diego Gomes has earned himself a starting spot in the Paraguay national team, starting three of the last four World Cup qualifiers and scoring the winner in a 1-0 win over Brazil in September. He deserves the start again tonight and thanks to the inclusion of Damian Bobadilla at the base of midfield.

Paraguay confirmed XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): R. Fernandez (GK) — G. Velazquez, G. Gomez, Alderete, Alonso — Cubas, Bobadilla — Almiron, Enciso, D. Gomez — Sanabria

Injured: No
Suspended: No

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While his club season is now over following Inter Miami’s elimination from the MLS Cup playoffs, Lionel Messi was included in the Argentina squad for these two qualifying matches against Paraguay and Peru and will start the match.

The most notable absence for Argentina this international break is the exclusion of Paulo Dybala who, according to Argentine reporter Gaston Edul, was left out of the squad due to a “tactical decision”. Dybala was left out of Roma’s squad against Bologna this weekend, and widespread reports suggested he was fit to play, angering the player and sparking rumors of a rift with the manager.

Nico González is out, having also missed the October international break due to a thigh injury Lisandro Martinez withdrew from the squad due to a hip problem picked up over the weekend. Emiliano Martinez returns in goal after serving a suspension during the previous international break.

Argentina confirmed XI (4-3-3, from right to left): E. Martinez (GK) — Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico — De Paul, E. Fernandez, Mac Allister — Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez.

Injured: N. González (hamstring), Li. Martinez (hip), German Pezzella (undisclosed).
Suspended: No

Paraguay vs Argentina live stream, tv channel

Here’s how to watch this CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier in selected areas of the world’s major regions: