Lionel Messi’s tumultuous 2024 season is drawing to a close as he faces a challenging series of defeats. The Argentine superstar, who has basked in glory as a World Cup champion and a key player for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), was left scoreless in a tough 2-1 defeat against Paraguay in a World Cup 2026 qualifying match on Thursday night.
The match saw Paraguay’s Antonio Sanabria deliver an impressive bicycle kick to open the scoreline, and Omar Alderete netted the decisive goal soon after halftime, assisted by Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Diego Gomez. Argentina started strong with Lautaro Martinez scoring in the 11th minute, yet they were unable to capitalize further, marking their second loss in four matches.
This defeat adds to a disappointing run for Messi, who has now faced three consecutive losses between club and national team competitions, including Inter Miami’s early exit from the MLS playoffs. As a result, Argentina remains in a strong position at the top of the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings with 22 points, although they could lose their lead if Colombia earns a positive result in their forthcoming match against Uruguay.
While Messi’s attempts to influence the game were evident—he had a notable interaction with referees at halftime due to fierce challenges from Paraguayan defenders—he struggled to find his usual spark on the field. His frustration was palpable, especially after a deflected shot went over the net, leaving him without a goal.
Despite this setback, Messi and Argentina supporters remain hopeful as the team gears up for their final match of the year against Peru next Tuesday in Buenos Aires. Messi’s leadership and talent are expected to elevate the squad as they seek to reclaim their rhythm and confidence heading into the new year.
Looking ahead, Messi expressed gratitude for the support throughout the season and is determined to return stronger next year with both Inter Miami and the national team. His resilience, combined with the team’s potential, suggests that brighter days are on the horizon for Messi and his fans.
In summary, while recent results may not reflect Messi’s exceptional capabilities on the pitch, his journey as a player continues to inspire hope, and many supporters believe he will bounce back in the coming challenges. The anticipation for the 2025 season and upcoming matches is sure to keep fans engaged and optimistic.