Lionel Messi returns to action with the Argentine national team Thursday night for a 2026 World Cup qualifying match on the road against Paraguay.

Alderete expressed his apologies to Messi on Instagram for a disrespectful incident during a match. The apology was positively received, while Messi continues to navigate a challenging period for the Argentina team ahead of their qualifier against Peru.

With Lionel Scaloni's squad at the top of the table and closing in on a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, Argentina is ready to keep the momentum alive and kick things up a notch as they defend their title.