To the dismay of Argentinian football fans, Lionel Messi stands on uncertain ground for Argentina’s ensuing World Cup Qualifying match against Paraguay. After managing to pull off an impressive 1-0 win with Ecuador, thanks to Messi’s opening goal, the celebrated Argentina captain sat out the subsequent triumphant 3-0 game with Bolivia due to persistent muscular pains. These ongoing troubles have unfortunately forced him onto the bench not just for his country, but also during several recent matches for his club, Inter Miami, in the MLS.
The World Cup champions are scheduled to host Paraguay in Buenos Aires this Thursday. However, Messi’s presence on the field still hangs in the balance.
Vinicius Jr.’s return after missing the first two games for Brazil in the South American qualifier due to an injury is a piece of eagerly awaited positive news. Setbacks have not dampened the spirit of the Selecao, who are preparing to clash against Venezuela in Cuiaba.
As the road to the 2026 World Cup continues to heat up, Argentina and Brazil maintain their winning streak, both standing 2-0 after last month’s victories. The clock is ticking down to their face-off this November, which promises to be a clash of titans.
In the interim, Colombia holds the third spot in the 10-team standings, having garnered four points. Uruguay and Venezuela are hot on their heels with three points each, trailed by Paraguay, Peru, and Chile who have one point each.
Despite its previous win over Uruguay, Ecuador still lags behind on points in the competition, largely due to FIFA’s deduction of points over the controversy surrounding the falsification of the birth information of defender, Byron Castillo.
With the expansion of the next World Cup to include a 48-team format, the top six teams from South America will secure direct entry. The seventh-place team will enter an intercontinental playoff for a berth.
On the forthcoming Thursday, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay are slated to celebrate FIFA’s decision to award the three countries the opening matches of the 2030 World Cup, for which Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will also play host.
Messi’s participation in Inter Miami’s 1-0 loss to Cincinnati for 10 minutes last Saturday and his recent training session suggest potential participation against Paraguay, though it remains unclear whether he would be starting the game or join midway.
Argentinian Coach Lionel Scaloni has yet to hint at Messi’s potential replacement if required. Other selection decisions loom as well, like the choice of the starter between Nicolas Tagliafico and Marcos Acuna for left-back, and between Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez for the front-line.
Argentinian hopes may be slightly dampened by the absence of Angel Di Maria, who’s on his way to recovery from injury. Nico Gonzalez is likely to step into the veteran’s shoes once more.
Meanwhile, Paraguay is set for a change of pace with its new coach, Daniel Garnero, starting his tenure against Argentina. Adept in managing excellent defensive formations, Garnero’s strategic decisions will be closely watched in the match. The anticipation is high for a potential upset, given Argentina’s track record of not defeating Paraguay in the last two editions of South American World Cup qualifying.
Brazil is set to face off against Venezuela in Cuiaba, with Vinicius Jr. confirmed to start the game. Vinicius’ stature has grown since the last World Cup, both in Real Madrid and in the national team, despite Neymar playing in Saudi Arabia’s less-competitive league.
Renan Lodi, sidelined due to injury, is expected to be replaced by Guilherme Arana.
Richarlison, despite a recent goal drought for the national team, is still expected to start against Venezuela. His last goal in the national colours came in the resounding 4-1 win against South Korea in the round of sixteen of the World Cup in Qatar.
Thursday will also witness other exciting matches with Colombia facing Uruguay, while Bolivia hosts Ecuador, and Chile takes on Peru.
