A stunning bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria and a second-half header from Omar Alderete gave Paraguay a well earned 2-1 home win over Argentina in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

Lionel Messi was captured in a heated confrontation with match officials during Argentina's unexpected 2-1 defeat to Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Argentina are back in action on Thursday with a trip to Asuncion to face a tough Paraguay test with a chance to inch closer to a FIFA 2026 World Cup berth. Lionel Messi and company saw off Bolivia last time out with a hat trick plus two assists in a thumping.

Antonio Sanabria's spectacular bicycle kick, Omar Alderete's header give hosts narrow win against Lionel Messi-led Argentina - Anadolu Ajansı

Argentina will remain on the top of the 10-team round robin competition with a 22 points in 11 matches, Brazil is provisionally in third place

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is confident there will be Lionel Messi jerseys in the home section despite the Paraguayan Football Association's ban on rival shirts.

A stunning bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria and a second-half header from Omar Alderete gave Paraguay a well earned 2-1 home win over Argentina in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

Lionel Messi returns to action with the Argentine national team Thursday night for a 2026 World Cup qualifying match on the road against Paraguay.

Lionel Messi was captured in a heated confrontation with match officials during Argentina's unexpected 2-1 defeat to Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Paraguay shocked Argentina 2-1 at Estadio Defensores del Chaco in a riveting FIFA World Cup qualifier. Lautaro Martínez started Argentina's score in the 11th minute; then, in the 19th minute, Paraguayan Antonio Sanabria equalised with an amazing bicycle kick.