Paraguay vs. Argentina lineups, expected starting 11, confirmed team news, injuries: Messi to meet Inter Miami teammate

Argentina hope to restore a commanding lead in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings when the Albiceleste take on Paraguay to begin the international break in November.

While Inter Miami’s season may be over, the Herons will have players to root for on both sides of the coin as Lionel Messi leads Argentina as always against his young clubmate Diego Gomez. Messi’s international side are at the top of the table with three points, but have been severely challenged by Colombia and Uruguay.

Paraguay could pose a challenge for Argentina, having turned over a new leaf of late. Albirroja sat 62nd in the FIFA rankings last summer, their lowest for nine years, but have gone unbeaten over their last four games to move up to sixth in the qualifying standings.

That streak includes a win over Brazil and a draw with Uruguay, but Messi and Argentina will present their toughest challenge yet. Paraguay are without a win over the reigning World Cup champions since 2016, a five-match winless streak.

Sporting News brings you the latest team news and predicted starting lineups for both teams in this South American clash.

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Paraguay vs. Argentina lineups, predicted starting 11, team news

Paraguay have very few fitness issues to deal with as most of their regular starters are healthy and ready to take the field.

Lionel Messi’s club mate Diego Gomez has carved out a starting spot with the Paraguay national team, starting three of their last four World Cup qualifiers and scoring the winner in a 1-0 win over Brazil in September.

Paraguay Predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): R. Fernandez (GK) — Caceres, G. Gomez, Alderete, Alonso — Cubas, D. Gomez — Almiron, Enciso, Sosa — Sanabria

Damaged: No
Suspended: No

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While his club season is now over following Inter Miami’s elimination from the MLS Cup playoffs, Messi was included in Argentina’s squad for these two qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru.

The most notable absence for Argentina this international break is the exclusion of Paulo Dybala who was omitted from the roster due to a “tactical decision” according to Argentinian reporter Gaston Edul. Dybala was left out of the Roma squad at the weekend against Bologna and widespread reports suggested he was fit to play, angering the player and sparking rumors of a rift with the manager.

Nico Gonzalez is out as he also missed the international break in October with a thigh injury, while Lisandro Martinez withdrew from the squad due to a hip problem picked up at the weekend. Emiliano Martinez returns in goal after serving a suspension during the previous international break.

Argentina predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): E. Martinez (GK) – Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico – De Paul, E. Fernandez, Mac Allister – Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez

Damaged: N. Gonzalez (hamstring), Li. Martinez (hip), German Pezzella (undisclosed)
Suspended: No

Paraguay vs Argentina live stream, tv channel

Here’s how to watch this CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier across select areas in the world’s major regions: