Waiting for Messi to score again

The last time Lionel Messi played a full half was in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in September. Between the two national team training sessions, the Argentine superstar only played two matches for Inter Miami, with a total of about 60 minutes on the field.

Messi recovered from his injury in time to return to the Argentina national team. However, the superstar's physical condition is still a big question mark. Messi only played about 30 minutes in Inter Miami's most recent match, so he may not be at his best for the match.

Messi has just recovered after playing only 2 matches for Inter Miami between 2 international breaks.

Argentina have played without Messi before, beating Bolivia 3-0 away thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nocolas Tagliafico and Nicolas Gonzalez, but that was a game in which the reigning world champions were given a half-game advantage.

Argentina is currently ranked second in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America after two matches. Only coach Lionel Scaloni and his rivals Brazil have won all six points with two wins. Qualifying may not be a difficult challenge for Messi and his teammates as South America has six places (out of 10 qualifying teams) to go straight to the World Cup finals.

Argentina are playing at home and Paraguay are not strong opponents. The team has only won 2 matches (both friendlies) in the past year against UAE and Nicaragua, the rest are 1 draw and 4 defeats. Coach Guillermo Schelotto was fired in September.

Schelotto was replaced by Argentine coach Daniel Garnero. The 54-year-old wants Paraguay to play attacking football, but his changes have not helped his team improve their performance. Paraguay's scoring efficiency is still very low - just one goal in the last 11 matches.

The only thing that Paraguay has that makes Argentina fans worried is the past head-to-head record between the two teams. Argentina has only won against Paraguay once, scoring 3 goals in the last 6 meetings. Messi and his teammates have drawn 4 matches with Paraguay (the rest is a loss) since 2015 until now.