ESPN.com · Oct 13, 2023
Lionel Messi not starting for Argentina in WC qualifier
Copy Link
Reactions
Like
41
Lionel Messi was not in Argentina's starting XI for their World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Thursday, but he was included in the squad as a substitute.
In place of Messi, coach Lionel Scaloni started Porto attacker Nico Gonzalez, with Man City's Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez of Inter Milan picked as forwards for the match.
- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Scaloni's Argentina is 2-0 in CONMEBOL qualifying thus far, having beaten Ecuador 1-0 and Bolívia 3-0 in September, but Messi did not play against Bolivia after picking up a leg injury in their first match.