Why is Lionel Messi not starting for Argentina against Paraguay in the World Cup 2026 qualifier?

Lionel Messi will start on the bench for Argentina against Paraguay on Thursday as he continues to step up his return from a recent injury. The 36-year-old was forced off in the first of La Albiceleste’s opening two FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, scoring the winning goal against Ecuador before being replaced due to “tiredness”.

  • Argentina vs Paraguay FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier: live

What injury has Messi been struggling with?

That initial diagnosis proved to be somewhat misleading, with Messi reportedly aggravating an old scar tissue injury, which forced him to sit out four of Inter Miami’s six matches after the September international break.

After not playing in Argentina’s 3-0 win in Bolivia, the former Barcelona star could only manage 37 minutes of an MLS victory over Toronto FC before missing four consecutive matches, including the US Open Cup final loss to Houston Dynamo. He made his return to the side as a second-half substitute on Saturday but was unable to stop his team from falling to a home defeat to FC Cincinnati, which ends their hopes of qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Inter Miami playmaker not risked despite training fully

Messi has trained fully with the rest of his international teammates this week but, given his recent injury issues, head coach Lionel Scaloni has opted not to risk him from the start. It would be a big surprise, however, if he doesn’t came off the bench at some stage.

After facing Paraguay at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Thursday, Argentina will Travel to Lima to take on Peru on Tuesday 17 October.

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