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

With Lionel Scaloni's squad at the top of the table and closing in on a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, Argentina is ready to keep the momentum alive and kick things up a notch as they defend their title.

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.

Antonio Sanabria's spectacular bicycle kick, Omar Alderete's header give hosts narrow win against Lionel Messi-led Argentina - Anadolu Ajansı

Paraguay vs. Argentina in World Cup Qualifiers kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 14. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco. Paraguay vs. Argentina in World Cup Qualifiers is available to live stream for free on SBS On Demand in Australia.

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.

Argentina pays a visit to the Estadio Defensores del Chaco to square up against Paraguay in the first of the two CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier games it'll play to close out 2024's international action.

Argentina hope to reestablish a commanding lead in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings as the Albiceleste take on Paraguay to begin the November international break.