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Lionel Messi not starting for Argentina in WC qualifier

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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.