Argentina men’s national football team will be back in action on Thursday as it hosts Paraguay in the third fixture of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Albiceleste looks to add another win to its perfect tally of two wins in two games. The return of captain Lionel Messi is the main positive for Lionel Scaloni’s team, after missing out on Argentina’s last fixture away at Bolivia. However, the presence of Inter Miami’s star on the pitch isn’t assured yet.

“We have one more training session and that will be very important,” said Scaloni in his press conference. “I’ll talk with [Messi] and decide whether he’ll play. Then I’ll decide about the rest of the team. If he’s fit, he’ll play”

Messi, 36, hasn’t played a full game since September 4, when Inter Miami beat Los Angeles FC 3-1. Just four days later he suffered an injury representing Argentina in the South American Qualifiers against Ecuador, from which he’s still recovering.

Paraguay will see Daniel Garnero’s debut as coach, replacing fellow Argentine Guillermo Barros Schelotto in a bid by the team to qualify for its first World Cup since 2010. The Albirroja has been one of Argentina’s tougher rivals recently, with the Albiceleste winning just one of the last six clashes between them, the 1-0 victory during the 2021 Copa América.

It will be the 100th clash between Argentina and Paraguay — the Albiceleste leads the head-to-head tally comfortably with 51 wins to 13 and 33 ties. 

The game is set to be played at 8 p.m. at the Monumental Stadium, refereed by Brazilian Raphael Claus. You can watch it live on Argentina’s national public broadcaster, TV Pública, for free or through the cable sports channel TyC Sports.

You may also be interested in: Tapia on 2030 hosting announcement: ‘This will be the World Cup of democracy’