SAO PAULO — Lionel Messi is sitting on the bench for Argentina as soon as once more as his staff faces Paraguay on Thursday in a South American World Cup qualifying match.

The 36-year-old Messi has felt muscular pains in his proper leg which have sidelined him for a number of matches at his membership Inter Miami. Coach Lionel Scaloni picked Nico Gonzalez as his alternative.

Scaloni has chosen an up-front duo with Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez for the match.

Messi missed 4 MLS matches for his membership plus the U.S. Open Cup last. He performed 10 minutes on Saturday in Inter Miami’s 1-0 loss to Cincinnati. He additionally skipped Argentina’s 3-0 win at Bolivia in one other World Cup qualifying match in September.

The World Cup winners and Brazil are 2-0 in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after victories final month. The continental archrivals are because of meet in November.

The subsequent World Cup within the United States, Mexico and Canada is increasing to a 48-team format, which means direct entry to the highest six groups in South America. The seventh-place staff will contest an intercontinental playoff for a berth.

Earlier on Thursday, Colombia and Uruguay drew 2-2. Veteran James Rodríguez opened the scoring for the hosts within the thirty seventh minute, and Matias Oliveira levelled shortly earlier than the break.

Mateus Uribe put the Colombians again in entrance within the 52nd minute. Uruguay equalized from the spot with Darwin Núñez moments earlier than the ultimate whistle after being fouled by goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, who was despatched off.

Colombia has 5 factors in three video games and Uruguay has 4.

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