Fri Nov 15 01:54:05 UTC 2024: ## Messi Returns to Argentina Duty After MLS Playoff Exit
Fresh off a shocking early exit from the MLS playoffs with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi shifts his focus back to international football as Argentina resumes their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The reigning world champions will face Paraguay on Thursday in a crucial match.
Messi, who holds the record for most goals in Argentine history with an astonishing 112 goals in 189 appearances, was looking to add another league title to his impressive trophy cabinet. However, Miami’s season was cut short by a 3-2 defeat to Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs.
Argentina currently sit atop the CONMEBOL standings with 22 points from 10 games, comfortably on track for World Cup qualification. Paraguay, meanwhile, are in sixth place, just one point above the qualifying line, aiming for their first World Cup appearance since 2010.
The match will be a tight affair, with Paraguay notoriously difficult to break down. They have only conceded four goals in ten qualifying matches, three of which were 1-0 defeats. While they haven’t scored prolifically, Antonio Sanabria has led the way with 3 goals, accounting for 75% of their total goals in qualifying.
Messi, who has scored 6 goals in qualifying, will be the main threat for Argentina alongside experienced defender Nicolas Otamendi (3 goals). Argentina will miss forward Nicolas Gonzalez who is recovering from a thigh injury.
The match is set to be a close encounter with opportunities likely to be few and far between. With set pieces potentially proving decisive, the advantage lies with Messi and Otamendi. The prediction: Paraguay 0-1 Argentina.
First Piper 