MONTEVIDEO: Lionel Messi is doubtful for Argentina’s South American World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Thursday despite “looking good” in trainin...
Lionel Messi laughs during a training session in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires, on October 10, 2023, ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier football matches against Paraguay and Peru. AFPPIX: Lionel Messi is doubtful for Argentina’s South American World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Thursday despite “looking good” in training, according to coach Lionel Scaloni.
“We still have one more training session and one more is important for him... I have to talk it over with him and make sure we are convinced he can start. He looked good. Based on that, we will see the rest of the team,“ said Scaloni. Argentina have won both their qualifiers so far and are level on six points at the top of the table with Brazil.
Paraguay have one point from their opening games and sit in sixth place, the final spot for automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. “It’s going to be a difficult game. Venezuela have their merits, many players playing in Europe, quality players. The important thing here is respect,“ the Manchester United and former Real Madrid midfielder told a news conference.