Argentine forward Lionel Messi stood as a substitute and declined the captain’s armband when he entered the game. Replacing Julián Álvarez in the 53rd minute, the living legend stepped onto the field with intent to influence the match from a fresh angle.
Although Messi turned down the captaincy, Nicolas Otamendi handed him the armband with a warm, knowing smile, signaling his support and trust from the defense captain’s position.
In the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualification, the fixture unfolded at the Liberty Antonio Vespucci Stadium in Buenos Aires. The home side celebrated a 1-0 victory as Otamendi found the net, delivering the decisive moment that carried Argentina to the top of the standings in the group after three games.
Argentina leads the group with nine points from three matches, signaling strong form and cohesion as they push toward the next stage. Paraguay, meanwhile, holds a solitary point and occupies seventh place in the table, reflecting a challenging road ahead in the long road to qualification.
Messi’s club career has tracked a remarkable arc since his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023. He opened his Inter Miami chapter with a stunning free kick that ignited the crowd and signaled his continued ability to influence games at the highest level. The summer of 2024 saw Inter Miami claim its first trophy in North American competition, the League Cup, after a dramatic penalty shootout against Nashville that finished 10-9 in the shootout, sealing a landmark victory for the franchise on American soil.
In earlier reporting from the same stretch of fixtures, an incident circulated regarding a Paraguayan player purportedly spitting on Messi during another match, a claim that drew significant attention and prompted discussions about sportsmanship and conduct on the field.