Will Lionel Messi play for Argentina against Paraguay? Journalist provides update
Journalist Gaston Edul has reported that Argentina talisman Lionel Messi is expected to feature in his side's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Thursday, November 14. The world champions are looking to continue on their way to sealing their place in the next edition of the Mundial this month.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni named captain Messi as part of his 28-man squad for two games against Paraguay and Peru this month. The 37-year-old was part of the Inter Miami side that recently crashed out of the MLS Cup in the first round against Atlanta United.
Lionel Messi ended the season on a personal high note, scoring a fine header for his side in their 3-2 Game Three defeat to Atlanta United. Gaston Edul has stated that the former Barcelona man is fully fit and available, and will feature for La Albiceleste against Paraguay.
Messi has a fine personal record against the South American nation, with five goals to his name in five previous meetings with them. He is in fine form with the national team, having scored a hat-trick in his last appearance for Scaloni's side, a 6-0 win over Bolivia in October.
Lionel Messi and his Argentina side lead the way in CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifying with 22 points from ten games. Despite losing two games, they sit three points clear of Colombia in second, and six clear of Uruguay in third.
Wins over Paraguay and Peru will put Argentina within one point of mathematically securing a place at the 2026 World Cup. La Albiceleste have not failed to qualify for the Mundial since 1970.
Lionel Messi and three other Argentina stars nominated for Globe Soccer award
Lionel Messi leads a list of four Argentine players to make the shortlist for the 2024 Globe Soccer awards after impressive personal seasons. The Inter Miami man has been nominated for the Player of the Year alongside Lautaro Martinez and Emiliano Martinez, while Alejandro Garnacho has been nominated for Emerging Player of the year.
Messi led Inter Miami to qualify for the MLS playoffs, winning the Supporters' Shield and providing 21 goals and 11 assists in 22 league games. Emiliano Martinez helped Aston Villa reach the UEFA Champions League and won the 2024 Yacine Trophy. Lautaro won Serie A MVP while captaining Inter Milan to the Scudetto. Garnacho scored seven goals in 36 league games for Manchester United, and scored in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
The quartet of players all featured for Argentina as they won the 2024 Copa America on US soil, with Lautaro Martinez winning the Golden Boot with five goals. Emiliano Martinez also won the Golden Glove with five clean sheets in six games.