• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Lionel Messi featured for a few minutes for Argentina in their World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay with the world champions emerging victorious by 1-0.

His involvement in the last match doesn't promise his inclusion in the next match against Peru as he continues to struggle with muscular pains.

He wasn't expected to play against Paraguay as he was facing problems in the weeks leading up to the game.

Messi's place in the next match remains doubtful despite the fact that he was seen in Argentina's practice session.

 

ALSO READ: It's Not Just Cricket That Afghanistan Are Playing For, Says Coach Jonathan Trott After England Win

 

The 36-year-old took part in the morning session at his national team's training ground but felt muscular pains in his right leg that kept him away from several MLS matches for his club, Inter Miami.

If Messi will be fit to play against Peru, coach Lionel Scaloni might have to make a tough change, maybe removing either Julián Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez from the lineup that beat Paraguay.

Keeping the captain in the starting lineup will likely mean Argentina playing Nico Gonzalez again in Lima.

Talking about the last game, Messi substituted Julián Álvarez in the 52nd minute when Argentina already had taken the lead. He was once again all over the opponents' defence and hit the post twice, but had a low-key performance overall at the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Notably, the next FIFA World Cup will be played in the United States, Mexico, and Canada is expanding to a 48-team format.

 

ALSO READ: AUS vs SL Live Cricket Score, ODI World Cup 2023

 

The format means that a direct entry will be given to the top six teams in South America. The seventh-place team will contest an intercontinental playoff for a berth.

At the moment, Argentina are at the top of the continental qualifying charts with nine points followed by Brazil (7), Colombia (5), Uruguay, Chile and Venezuela (4), Ecuador (3), Paraguay and Peru (1), and Bolivia (0).