Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni says Lionel Messi is questionable for Thursday’s South American World Cup qualifier against Paraguay despite “looking good” in practice. On Saturday, Messi joined the World Cup champions as a second-half substitute for Inter Miami in MLS play. After returning from international action last month, Messi was injured and has only played 37 minutes for his team since September 3. Argentina is tied for first place with Brazil on six points after winning both of their qualifying games.

One more training session is crucial for him, and we still have time for it. I need to have a conversation with him to make sure we’re both on the same page before he can begin. The guy had style. On that basis, I will consult with the rest of the team,” added Scaloni.

The Argentina coach remarked that he had to think on the upcoming match against Peru, which will take place five days later in Lima.

“What leaves us calm is that, if he is not fit to play, whoever goes out will do just as well, that’s the most important thing,” according to him.

Scaloni might start Julian Alvarez of Manchester City and Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan if Messi is unable to play.

They have started games together before. I have an expansive mindset. It all depends on the pairing. That shouldn’t be an issue at all. He elaborated, “They’re different, but they can play.”

With just one point from their first two games, Paraguay currently finds themselves in sixth place, one step outside of the automatic qualifying spot for the 2026 World Cup.

On Thursday, Brazil will play host to Venezuela in Cuiaba. The ‘Vinotinto’ now have three points after victories against Paraguay and Colombia, respectively, by scores of 1-0.

Casemiro, a midfielder for the ‘Selecao,’ has said that his team will not overlook a team that is trying to reach the finals for the first time.

This game is going to be tough. There are numerous talented Venezuelan players now doing their trade in Europe. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder stressed the importance of respect in his remarks to reporters.

“Football is one of the few sports in which the favourite does not always win… and in South America there’s no easy game,” according to him.

Casemiro has remarked that Brazil are still adjusting to a new strategy as they prepare to play their third game under interim coach Fernando Diniz.

We’re working as fast as we can to adjust, but it’s going to take some time. Months are the norm at the club level. “We’re trying to do it as quickly as possible and with as few mistakes as possible in the national team by using videos and other means to correspond to that work philosophy,” he said.

Brazil travels to Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay on Tuesday, only two days after their matchup with Venezuela. Chile will be visiting Venezuela.

On Thursday, Colombia will host Uruguay, Bolivia will host Ecuador, and Peru will travel to Chile.