When Argentina plays Paraguay in their upcoming World Cup qualifying match, Lionel Messi is once again a questionable starter.
The captain of Argentina scored in the first match, a 1-0 victory over Ecuador, but was unable to play in the 3-0 victory against Bolivia last month due to muscle strains that also prevented him from playing in many MLS games for Inter Miami.
The World Cup winners are scheduled to play Paraguay in Buenos Aires on Thursday.
Despite missing Brazil’s opening two South American qualifying matches, Vinicius Jr. has recovered from an injury to return to the starting lineup. In Cuiaba, the Selecao will play Venezuela.
Following victories last month, Argentina and Brazil are 2-0 in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The match between the continental rivals is scheduled for November.
Colombia, with four points, is ranked third out of ten teams. Following with three points apiece are Uruguay, Venezuela, Paraguay, Peru, and Chile.
Ecuador defeated Uruguay 2-1 on September 13, however they still haven’t earned a tournament point. FIFA docked Ecuador three points at the beginning of the qualification campaign for defender Byron Castillo’s fake birth certificate. Castillo is originally from Colombia.
The 48-team system for the next World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will grant direct entrance to the top six South American nations. To earn a spot in the intercontinental playoffs, the seventh-place team will compete.
Thursday’s schedule of events includes celebrations for Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay following FIFA’s decision to award the three nations the 2030 World Cup opening matches. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will co-host the tournament.
Paraguay vs. Argentina
The 36-year-old Messi was absent from the U.S. Open Cup final as well as four MLS games for his team. On Saturday, he participated in 10 minutes of Inter Miami’s 1-0 loss to Cincinnati. He is expected to play against Paraguay, although it is unclear if he would start or come off the bench based on his training on Tuesday.
If Messi doesn’t play, coach Lionel Scaloni didn’t say who will start in his place. In addition, he must choose between starting Julián Álvarez or Lautaro Martínez up front and Nicolás Tagliafico or Marcos Acuña at left back.
Due to his injury, Ángel Di María will not be relied upon by Argentina. Again, Nico González is most likely to replace the veteran.
Daniel Garnero, the new coach of Paraguay, will make his debut against Argentina. Once the first two qualifiers were completed last month, he succeeded Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
Similar to Schelotto, 54-year-old Argentine Garnero has coached multiple Paraguayan sides since 2016, favoring more balanced lineups in a nation where defense is revered as an art form.
“We have to play it smart, use our coach’s approach for this game, and win by one point. Why not three, too? Junior Alonso, a defender, stated. His aspirations are not misplaced; in the last two South American World Cup qualification tournaments, Argentina was unable to defeat Paraguay.
Venezuela vs. Brazil
At the training session on Tuesday, Brazil’s new coach Fernando Diniz demonstrated that Vinicius Jr. has fully recovered from his injury and will start the match against Venezuela in Cuiaba. Raphinha, who started both of the first two games at right flank, is currently sidelined due to injury.
Since the past World Cup, fans’ perception of the 23-year-old Vinicius has increased in his native country due to his success at Real Madrid and Neymar’s participation in a league with lower competition in Saudi Arabia.
“Vinicius is valuable to both his club and the national team.” Gabriel Jesus, the striker, said at a press conference, “And he is only a boy.” “He returned from injury to help Real win games and score goals. He is really amazing.
Due to injuries, Guilherme Arana is probably going to replace Renan Lodi.
Richarlison hasn’t scored a goal for the national team, but he is anticipated to start against Venezuela. His most recent goal for Brazil came in the 4-1 victory over South Korea during the World Cup in Qatar’s round of sixteen.
Additionally on Thursday, Chile will play Peru, Bolivia will host Ecuador, and Colombia will play Uruguay.