Leo Messi returns from injury as Argentina beat Paraguay 

Lionel Messi came off as a substitute early in the second period of Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay in World Cup qualifying in Buenos Aires on Thursday evening.

Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, made the strategic decision to leave out Lionel Messi, who was recovering from a leg injury, from the starting XI for the third CONMEBOL qualifier. 

Instead, he placed his trust in Porto’s winger Nico Gonzalez, Manchester City’s Julián Álvarez, and Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez at the top of the formation.

Early Momentum with Otamendi’s Strike

The game took an early turn in Argentina’s favor as Nicolas Otamendi struck a well-executed volley to open the scoring. This dominant performance saw Argentina lead at halftime, much to the delight of the crowd at the Monumental stadium.

The Return of Messi

Lionel Messi, a football icon, began to warm up shortly after the halftime break, sending waves of excitement through the home crowd. 

Once he stepped onto the field, he exhibited remarkable energy, taking charge, and helping Argentina maintain pressure on Paraguay. His creativity and vision resulted in numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Messi’s Near Miss and Unyielding Defense

As the match progressed, Messi nearly added to Argentina’s tally, striking the post with a free kick in second-half stoppage time. 

Despite his return to the game, the hosts were unable to further extend their lead, and the match ended in a thrilling and hard-fought victory.

Lionel Messi’s return to the field, his dynamic presence, and Argentina’s impressive performance make this qualifier match an unforgettable moment for football fans.