After Lionel Messi struggled to make an impact in Argentina's 2-1 loss to Paraguay, the team is reportedly set to lose two first-team players for their upcoming clash against Peru. Argentina‘s 2-1 loss to Paraguay in the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers on Thursday delivered a double blow to Lionel Messi‘s team.

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

How big Messi’s impact is can be gauged from the fact that Paraguay banned jerseys bearing the Argentina footballer’s name from entering the Estadio Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asunción.

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.

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.

Lionel Messi was captured in a heated confrontation with match officials during Argentina's unexpected 2-1 defeat to Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina are down 2-1 against Paraguay in the first half for Matchday 11 of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at Defensores del Chaco stadium. Check out our live updates! Paraguay lead Argentina 2-1 for Matchday 11 of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at Defensores del Chaco stadium.