MONTEVIDEO: Lionel Messi is doubtful for Argentina’s South American World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Thursday despite “looking good” in training, according to coach Lionel Scaloni.
Messi teamed up with the World Cup winners after returning from injury as a second-half substitute for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer on Saturday.Messi had played just 37 minutes for his club since September 3, having returned with an injury from international duty last month.
The Argentina coach said he also had to take into account that his team would face Peru in Lima five days later.“What leaves us calm is that, if he is not fit to play, whoever goes out will do just as well, that’s the most important thing,” he said. Paraguay have one point from their opening games and sit in sixth place, the final spot for automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
“It’s going to be a difficult game. Venezuela have their merits, many players playing in Europe, quality players. The important thing here is respect,” the Manchester United and former Real Madrid midfielder told a news conference. “We are trying to adapt as quickly as possible, but it takes time. At club level it usually takes months.
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