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.

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.

Argentina and Brazil faced tough nights in World Cup qualifiers, with Argentina losing 2-1 to Paraguay and Brazil drawing 1-1 with Venezuela. Messi and Vinicius Júnior had challenging performances, affecting their teams' standings.

Just four days after his first foray into the MLS Cup Playoffs ended in a shocking upset, Lionel Messi turns his attention back to Argentina as the reigning world champions resume 2026 World Cup qualifying against Paraguay on Thursday.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Paraguay face each other for Matchday 11 of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at Defensores del Chaco stadium. Check out our live blog and don’t miss the action. Paraguay host Argentina 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.

Here’s how to watch the World Cup qualifying match on TV and live stream as well as the latest team news. The Sporting News takes you through all the information you need to follow the game.