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

Lionel Messi failed to score as Argentina were beaten 2-1 by Paraguay in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. The two goals of Paraguay also included an incredible bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria.

Argentina are back in action on Thursday with a trip to Asuncion to face a tough Paraguay test with a chance to inch closer to a FIFA 2026 World Cup berth. Lionel Messi and company saw off Bolivia last time out with a hat trick plus two assists in a thumping.

The last time Brazil met Uruguay they lost to them on penalty kicks in the Copa America quarterfinals after a 0-0 draw. Brazil know a win would move them above Uruguay in the table. Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay sit second in the standings behind Argentina after their dramatic 3-2 win against Colombia last time out.