Argentina predicted lineup vs. Paraguay: World Cup qualification 2026

Argentina visit the Estadio Defensores del Chaco to take on Paraguay in the first of two CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers to be played to conclude the 2024 internationals.

Lionel Messi will be hoping to put Inter Miami’s surprise elimination from the MLS Cup playoffs behind him in what will be his final two games of the calendar year. Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s previous game against Bolivia and currently leads all scorers in South America’s qualifiers with six.

It would be a mistake to underestimate Paraguay. La Albirroja moved up to sixth on the back of a four-game unbeaten run. In its last two home games, Paraguay ran away with the three points against Venezuela and more impressive Brazil.

Lionel Scaloni will be without two of his regular defensive options as Lisandro Martínez and Germán Pezzela were forced out of the squad due to fitness issues. Emiliano Martínez returns after serving his two-game ban to bolster what became a thin back line overnight.

Despite the absence, Scaloni has enough talent to secure his defense. The main question will be whether he decides to play with four midfielders or stick with the three strikers who led La Albiceleste to a 6-0 win last time out.

GK: Emiliano Martínez—Dibu returns to his usual role between the sticks after winning his second consecutive Yashin Trophy.

RB: Nahuel Molina—Molina has become a regular in Scaloni’s side. A solid piece covering ground on Argentina’s right flank.

CB: Cristian Romero—The injuries in the defense make it easier to predict Argentina’s central defense pairing. Cuti is Scaloni’s absolute trusted defender and his physicality will be needed against Paraguay.

CB: Nicolás Otamendi—The veteran defender will partner Romero in what is arguably Argentina’s best available centre-back pairing.

LB: Nicolás Tagliafico—Tagliafico continues to have a firm grip on the starting role at left back. The OL Lyon player has been very strong in Ligue 1 so far this season.

CM: Enzo Fernández—Chelsea’s enigma usually saves his best for Argentina and will once again be the midfield metronome for Scaloni’s side.

CM: Alexis MacAllister—The Liverpool midfielder will be looking to get his first assist for club and country in the 2024-2025 season.

CM: Rodrigo De Paul—The engine at Scaloni’s side completes the usual midfield trio, one that has dominated qualifying so far.

RW: Lionel Messi—The Argentina captain will be hoping to score his first goal against Paraguay since the 2019 Copa América.

ST: Lautaro Martínez—If Scaloni goes for a formation with three strikers, Martínez will again be in from the start to complete one of international football’s most dangerous front three.

LW: Julián Álvarez—La Araña made the difference at the weekend in Atlético Madrid’s win over Mallorca. With Martínez in the lineup, Álvarez usually slides to the wing to begin his runs from Argentina’s left flank.

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