With Lionel Messi at the forefront and the return of goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, leaders Argentina will visit an improving Paraguay on Thursday in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup since Gustavo Alfaro took over.
La Albiceleste will play at the Defensores del Chaco in Asunción, Paraguay’s most iconic stadium, with Paraguay hoping to surprise the reigning world and continental champions and take advantage of their home field.
With 22 points, three more than their closest pursuer Colombia, Argentina leads the South American qualifiers table. They recently defeated Bolivia 6-0 a month ago, a match in which Messi scored his tenth hat-trick with the national team.
For the match against Paraguay, the big news is the return of “Dibu” Martinez, who was recently named the best goalkeeper in the world. The Aston Villa goalkeeper missed the October double match due to unsporting behaviour.
Scaloni is expected to field a lineup with most of the usual starters and a formation “similar to the last game” against Bolivia.
In defense, Nahuel Molina and Cristian Romero should be set, along with Nicolás Otamendi and Nicolas Tagliafico. Otamendi is likely to start, as central defender Lisandro Martinez was ruled out of the squad just two days before the match in Paraguay due to an injury.
Although qualification for the World Cup isn’t yet guaranteed, if Argentina avoids losing in Asunción and secures three points at home against Peru on Tuesday, they will be well-positioned to book their ticket in March when the qualifiers resume.
However, the trip to Paraguay will not be easy, and Paraguay promises to put up a fight against Argentina, buoyed by renewed energy since appointing the Argentine Alfaro as coach following an early exit in the Copa America earlier this year.
La Albirroja is unbeaten — and has conceded only one goal — in the four matches played with Alfaro on the bench. The standout achievement was defeating Brazil in a qualifier for the first time in 16 years.
Paraguay stands in sixth place, with 13 points, and is looking to secure another victory to strengthen its position in the standings and secure one of the six direct spots for the World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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