As the November international break begins, Argentina aims to strengthen its position in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings with a crucial match against Paraguay. The Albiceleste, led by the illustrious Lionel Messi, currently holds the top spot with a three-point lead over challengers Colombia and Uruguay.
The match holds special significance as Messi faces off against his Inter Miami teammate, Diego Gomez, who has made a name for himself in the Paraguay national team, starting in three of their last four qualifiers. Paraguay has shown significant improvement recently, ending a troubling period that saw them drop to 62nd in the FIFA rankings over the summer, their lowest point in nearly a decade. They are now on an unbeaten streak that includes a notable victory over Brazil and a draw against Uruguay, climbing to sixth in the qualification standings.
Despite Paraguay’s resurgence and the challenge they present, Argentina has historically dominated this matchup, with Paraguay not securing a win against the reigning World Cup champions since 2016.
Both teams appear to be in good shape heading into the match, with Paraguay fielding a strong lineup and Argentina only missing a few key players. Notably, Paulo Dybala has not been included in the squad, reportedly due to tactical decisions, which has stirred up some controversy. Additionally, Emiliano Martinez returns to goal for Argentina after serving a suspension during the last international break.
The anticipation surrounding this matchup reflects not only the stakes of World Cup qualification but also the excitement of seeing some of football’s brightest talents on the field.
This match is not just about points; it represents an opportunity for both teams to solidify their aspirations for the upcoming World Cup. Fans can look forward to a thrilling encounter that showcases both seasoned veterans and rising stars in South American football.
In summary, Argentina seeks to reaffirm its dominance, while Paraguay looks to build on its recent success, setting the stage for a compelling clash in World Cup qualifying.