The CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers kick off along with the international break, as the South American nations battle it out to cement their spot in the next FIFA World Cup in 2026.
The world champions, Argentina, resumed their journey to defend their title in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, as Lionel Messi marked his return donning an Argentina shirt and they welcomed a struggling Paraguay side in a narrow 1-0 win on Thursday.
Watch: Lionel Messi nearly scores two spectacular set pieces
The seven-time Ballon Dor Awardee, Argentina captain Lionel Messi made his comeback appearance for his national side in the World Cup qualifiers. He had missed his last national team outing against Bolivia due to an injury issue and was handed rest by Scaloni.
The 36-year-old wasn’t a regular for his club side Inter Miami after returning to club duties, as he was struggling with an injury from the national team and carried it into the club campaign. He missed out on four decisive league games, causing Inter Miami to fail to make it through to the MLS playoffs in his absence.
Messi also missed out on the opportunity to add another trophy to the club’s cabinet in the US Open Cup final, and latest featured in a recent league game as a sub. Despite vague chances, he made his return to the National team camp.
The Argentine captain came off the bench to replace, Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez in the 55th minute, nearly scoring two world-class goals.
Messi attempted an Olympic goal from the corner in the 76th minute beating every opponent including the Paraguay keeper Coronel, but unfortunately, woodwork denied his goal.
The 2nd chance came in the added time when Argentina was awarded a free kick, 25 yards away from the goal post. Messi curled it beautifully only to hit the post nearly doubling their lead with a stunner.
Argentina defeats Paraguay in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Argentina hosted Paraguay at their home ground, Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, for their 3rd CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers fixture on Thursday, securing a dominating 1-0 win. The away side didn’t do much to fight back, as they were determined to sit back and try not conceding again.
The Hosts had full control of the back though missed out on numerous opportunities to extend their lead against a struggling opposition, as Otamendi’s 3rd-minute goal made the difference in Argentina’s gathering all three points to climb to the top of the points table above Brazil. Next, they will be facing Peru in the coming week.
