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.
While Inter Miami’s season may be over, the Herons will have players to root for on both sides of the coin as Lionel Messi leads Argentina as always against his young club teammate Diego Gomez. Messi’s international side sit top of the table by three points but have been challenged hard by Colombia and Uruguay.
Paraguay could present a challenge for Argentina, having seemingly turned over a new leaf of late. The Albirroja sat 62nd in the FIFA rankings this past summer, their lowest in nine years, but have gone unbeaten over their last four games to rise as high as sixth in the qualification standings.
That streak includes a win over Brazil and draw with Uruguay, but Messi and Argentina will present their toughest challenge yet. Paraguay are without a victory over the reigning World Cup champions since 2016, a winless run of five meetings.
The Sporting News brings you the latest team news and confirmed starting lineups for both teams in this South American clash.
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Paraguay vs. Argentina lineups, starting 11, team news
Paraguay have very few fitness concerns to deal with as most of their regular starters are healthy and set to take the field.
Lionel Messi’s club teammate Diego Gomez has carved himself out a starting spot with the Paraguay national team, starting three of their last four World Cup qualifiers and scoring the winner in a 1-0 win over Brazil in September. He earns the start tonight yet again, moved up into a more attacking role thanks to the inclusion of Damian Bobadilla at the base of midfield.
Paraguay confirmed XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): R. Fernandez (GK) — G. Velazquez, G. Gomez, Alderete, Alonso — Cubas, Bobadilla — Almiron, Enciso, D. Gomez — Sanabria
Injured: None
Suspended: None
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While his club season is now over after Inter Miami’s elimination from the MLS Cup playoffs, Lionel Messi was included in the Argentina squad for these two qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru and is starting the match.
The most notable absence for Argentina this international break is the exclusion of Paulo Dybala who was left off the roster due to a “tactical decision” according to Argentine reporter Gaston Edul. Dybala was left out of the Roma squad over the weekend against Bologna, and widespread reports indicate he was fit to play, angering the player and sparking rumors of a rift with the manager.
Nico Gonzalez is out, having missed the October international break as well with a thigh injury, while Lisandro Martinez withdrew from the squad due to a hip issue picked up over the weekend. Emiliano Martinez returns in goal after serving a suspension in the previous international break.
Argentina confirmed XI (4-3-3, right to left): E. Martinez (GK) — Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico — De Paul, E. Fernandez, Mac Allister — Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez.
Injured: N. Gonzalez (hamstring), Li. Martinez (hip), German Pezzella (undisclosed).
Suspended: None
Paraguay vs. Argentina live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
| TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | — | Fanatiz |
| Canada | — | Fanatiz |
| UK | — | — |
| Australia | — | SBS On Demand |
| India | — | FanCode |
