Frank Christian
Argentina aims to regain its stronghold in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings as they prepare to face Paraguay at the start of November’s international fixtures. With the conclusion of Inter Miami’s season, there will still be representation from the club, as Lionel Messi leads Argentina against his younger teammate, Diego Gomez, from Paraguay. Currently, Messi’s team is leading the standings by three points, though teams like Colombia and Uruguay are close competitors.
Recently, Paraguay has shown signs of improvement and could pose a challenge for Argentina. After ranking as low as 62nd in the FIFA standings this summer—its worst in nearly a decade—Paraguay has gone unbeaten in their last four matches, climbing up to sixth place in the qualifiers. This includes notable outcomes like a victory against Brazil and a draw with Uruguay; nonetheless, facing Messi and his squad will be their biggest test yet. Paraguay hasn’t beaten the World Cup champions since 2016, marking a five-match winless streak.
The Sporting News is here to provide the latest updates on team rosters and confirmed starting players for this South American encounter.
Lineups and Team News: Paraguay vs. Argentina
Paraguay is generally in good health, with most of their regular players fit for this matchup.
Diego Gomez, who plays alongside Messi at Inter Miami, has secured a starting role within the Paraguay national team, having started three of their four recent World Cup qualifiers and scoring the decisive goal against Brazil in September. He is set to start again tonight, elevated into a more attacking position alongside Damian Bobadilla, who takes on a deeper midfield role.
Paraguay’s Starting XI (4-2-3-1): R. Fernandez (GK) — G. Velazquez, G. Gomez, Alderete, Alonso — Cubas, Bobadilla — Almiron, Enciso, D. Gomez — Sanabria
Injuries: None
Suspensions: None
Despite Inter Miami’s recent playoff exit, Lionel Messi is part of the Argentina squad for this and the upcoming match against Peru, and he is set to start tonight.
The most significant absence for Argentina is Paulo Dybala, who was omitted from the squad over a “tactical decision” as stated by Argentine journalist Gaston Edul. There are rumors of a potential disagreement with the coach following Dybala’s omission from Roma’s squad in their latest match, despite him reportedly being fit. Additionally, Nico Gonzalez is sidelined due to a thigh injury, and Lisandro Martinez has withdrawn due to a hip injury incurred during recent play. Emiliano Martinez returns to goal after serving a suspension last time.
Argentina’s Starting XI (4-3-3): E. Martinez (GK) — Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico — De Paul, E. Fernandez, Mac Allister — Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez.
Injuries: N. Gonzalez (hamstring), Li. Martinez (hip), German Pezzella (undisclosed).
Suspensions: None
How to Watch Paraguay vs. Argentina
For viewers wishing to catch this CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match, below are the broadcasting details in various regions:
| TV Channel | Streaming | |
| USA | — | Fanatiz |
| Canada | — | Fanatiz |
| UK | — | — |
| Australia | — | SBS On Demand |
| India | — | FanCode |
