Lionel Messi will not start in Argentina's eleven that faces Paraguay at the Monumental for the third matchday of the 2026 Qualifiers
Argentina wants to continue its triumphant pace in the South American Qualifiers. The rival of the Peruvian National Team in the fourth matchday will face Paraguay on October 12, a team that Argentina has not defeated in qualifying processes since September 10, 2013.
???? #Eliminatorias
???? Date 3
⚽️ @Argentina ???????? - #Paraguay ????????
⏱ 20
????⚖️ Raphael Claus ????????
???? https://t.co/vDSVCitoqq???? The champion advances on its way to the #CopaMundial2026 ⭐⭐⭐ pic.twitter.com/uI0T32FlxJ
— ???????? Argentine National Team ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) October 12, 2023
In fact, since that date all the results have been draws, except one: on October 11, 2016, in Córdoba, the 'Albirroja' surprised and won 1-0 with a goal by Derlis González in the 18th minute. Now, the 'Albiceleste' wants to break this bad statistic.
The reigning world champion, led by Lionel Scaloni, will field a very offensive lineup against Paraguay at the Monumental; however, they will not be able to count on their star, Lionel Messi. The 'Pulga' has had little continuity in the last month at Inter Miami due to a recurring injury.
¡The ???????????????????? attacking lineup of the world champions! ????????⭐️
Lionel Messi will go to the bench as a precaution, so Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez will share the offense in the 'Albiceleste'. ⚽️
???? Watch Argentina vs. Paraguay LIVE on Movistar Plus from 6:00 p.m.… pic.twitter.com/tNfw21RUPn
— Movistar Deportes (@MovistarDeporPe) October 12, 2023
"The decision is to see how he feels, we have another match in four days. This is the glass, however you want to see it: maybe he plays 70, 80 or 90 minutes against Paraguay and then nothing against Peru. It's not easy," said the Argentine strategist, who will finally leave the '10' on the bench.
The Argentina venue today, home of River Plate, will pay tribute to Messi and his entire family: they will give them a personalized box, with a stamp that shows the historic footballer from behind with his classic number. A '10' detail.
How will Argentina line up against Paraguay in the Qualifiers?
Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, and Nicolás Tagliafico; Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández; Nicolás González; Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
¡@josecarmendariz and @horacon will be part of the Argentina vs. Paraguay broadcast! ????????????????
You can watch this match LIVE on Movistar Plus (006 and 706 HD on Movistar TV). ???? pic.twitter.com/hAf0v7Yrh9
— Movistar Deportes (@MovistarDeporPe) October 12, 2023