Lionel Messi will have the perfect opportunity to respond following Inter Miami\u2019s exit in the MLS playoffs, as he leads Argentina into battle against Paraguay on Thursday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reigning world champions have started the qualifying schedule in excellent form, winning seven of their opening ten. Argentina have also won three of their last five, and are the highest scorers in South American qualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paraguay come into this round in encouraging form after going four without a defeat. They have recorded wins in two of their last three, and a second straight success on Thursday could see them move into the top five.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Argentina will be an odds-on chance to record victory away from home on Thursday. Paraguay will be the outsiders in the betting at +455.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Argentina boast an excellent recent record against Paraguay, having avoided defeat in the last five. However, their only wins over that period have been achieved in 2021 and 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interestingly, Paraguay have avoided defeat in five of the last seven meetings between the sides, which includes a 0-0 draw in the latest World Cup qualifier between the nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udea8\u26bd TIP:<\/strong> Under 2.0 Goals @ -111<\/p>\n\n\n\n The home nation will have an aging defensive line this week, with Gustavo Gomez set to lead out his nation, winning his 78th<\/sup> cap in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Miguel Almiron will be the key player for the hosts in the final third, while Angel Romero is expected to lead the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMatch Result<\/th> Odds<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Paraguay<\/td> +455<\/td><\/tr> Draw<\/td> +237<\/td><\/tr> Argentina<\/td> -134<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n Argentina Unbeaten in Last Five Against Paraguay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/th> Total<\/th> Paraguay<\/th> Argentina<\/th> Draws<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Games<\/td> 17<\/td> 3<\/td> 7<\/td> 7<\/td><\/tr> World Cup Qualifying Games<\/td> 9<\/td> 2<\/td> 3<\/td> 4<\/td><\/tr> Goals<\/td> 40<\/td> 14<\/td> 26<\/td> <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Paraguay Team News<\/h2>\n\n\n\n