In a World Cup qualifying match, Argentina suffered a surprising 2-1 loss to Paraguay at Estadio Defensores del Chaco. Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina an early lead. But, Antonio Sanabria equalised before Alderete’s second-half goal sealed Argentina’s third defeat in the qualifiers.

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

Argentina are back in action on Thursday with a trip to Asuncion to face a tough Paraguay test with a chance to inch closer to a FIFA 2026 World Cup berth. Lionel Messi and company saw off Bolivia last time out with a hat trick plus two assists in a thumping.