Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Vinicius Júnior had frustrating nights in South American World Cup qualifying.

Lionel Messi returns to action with the Argentine national team Thursday night for a 2026 World Cup qualifying match on the road against Paraguay.

Lionel Messi, Julián Alvarez and Lautaro Martínez all started for the World Cup holders as they were stunned at Estadio Defensores del Chaco.

World champions Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat to Paraguay while rivals Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at Venezuela as South America's big guns struggled in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Thursday.

All you need to know about the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match between Paraguay and Argentina to be played at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion.

Paraguay will face Argentina in a Matchday 11 clash of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. Here's how to watch the game live, either on TV or through streaming platforms available in the USA.

Argentina are back in action on Thursday with a trip to Asuncion to face a tough Paraguay test with a FIFA 2026 World Cup berth on the line. Lionel Scaloni's men can book their return as defending champions with a win barely two years on from their success in Qatar.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina are down 2-1 against Paraguay in the first half for Matchday 11 of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at Defensores del Chaco stadium. Check out our live updates! Paraguay lead Argentina 2-1 for Matchday 11 of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at Defensores del Chaco stadium.