The Paraguay national team holds the historic distinction of being Lionel Messi's last conqueror in South American World Cup qualifying. The match that sealed that feat was a 2-1 win over Argentina on November 11, 2024, at the Defensores del Chaco stadium, for the 11th round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Currently, La Albirroja sits third in the World Cup qualifying standings, with 4 points from three games played.
How did Paraguay's last win over Messi happen?
The match in Asunción began with Argentina taking the lead through a goal from Lautaro Martínez. However, Paraguay turned the score around with strikes from Antonio Sanabria and Omar Alderete. That loss was the last one Messi, who played 207 official matches for his country, suffered in the South American qualifying process. After that game, Argentina lost another qualifier in Guayaquil against Ecuador, but without the star player, who was not called up.
What was Messi's first match against Paraguay?
The history between Messi and Paraguay began much earlier, in a very different context. On June 29, 2004, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) organized a U-20 friendly against Paraguay at Argentinos Juniors' field. The aim was to 'protect' a young Messi from a potential call-up by the Spain national team. Messi came on as a substitute in the second half wearing jersey number 17, scored his seventh international goal, and provided an assist in an 8-0 rout in front of fewer than 500 spectators at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium.
Where is Paraguay now on their World Cup path?
The Paraguayan national team maintains a solid position in the fight for the 2026 World Cup. With 4 points and a record of one win, one draw, and one loss, La Albirroja shows recent mixed form (LWDWL). In offensive and defensive terms, the team has scored 2 goals and conceded 4 in this phase, resulting in a -2 goal difference. You can follow the standings evolution on our standings page.
How does this past connect to the present?
The 2024 win over Argentina with Messi on the pitch is a significant benchmark in recent qualifying history. It contrasts with Paraguay's latest official result, a 0-1 loss to France on July 4, 2026, in the final tournament stage. The team's current performance, with a run of one win, two draws, and two losses in the last five matches (LDDWL), shows a path ahead. Detailed squad information is available in the squad section.
La Albirroja's next opportunity to add points in the qualifiers will be in the match scheduled for October, according to the fixtures calendar.
