Argentina Edges Paraguay 1-0 at Liberty Stadium as World Cup Qualifiers Continue
The 2026 World Cup qualifying third round match between Paraguay and Argentina was staged at the Antonio Vespucci Liberty Stadium in Buenos Aires. Argentina secured a 1-0 victory on home soil, a result that reinforced their early momentum in the group and added a notable win to their campaign.
During the match, an incident involving Paraguayan forward Antonio Sanabria drew wide attention when he appeared to spit toward Lionel Messi after a confrontation on the field. The clash prompted immediate scrutiny, with observers noting that the referee did not issue a disciplinary sanction at the time. The episode sparked discussions about on-field behavior and sportsmanship in high-stakes international fixtures.
As the international break approached, Argentina sat atop the standings with nine points from three matches, while Paraguay trailed in seventh place with a single point. These early positions underscored the opening phase of qualification and set the scene for the fixtures that would follow as teams pursued a spot in the finals.
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after an extended spell with Paris Saint-Germain. He made an immediate impact with his new MLS club, delivering a free-kick goal in his debut and helping Inter Miami clinch the League Cup in August, edging Nashville in a dramatic 10-9 penalty shootout. The victory highlighted Messi’s enduring influence and contributed to the growing profile of MLS on the global stage.
A former Inter Miami coach later commented on the protections around Messi, noting how the star’s presence has influenced team strategies and defensive planning. The remarks reflected broader discussions about shielding high-profile players and preserving competitive integrity within the league.