Lionel Messibangkucadangkan, Argentina Ke Puncak Usai Kalahkan Paraguay

Argentine star Lionel Messi received the captain's armband from Nicolas Otamendi (right) when he entered the second half in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay. (Twitter @Argentina)

JAKARTA - Captain Lionel Messi did not start when Argentina beat Paraguay 1-0 in the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifying match at the Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti Stadium, Friday, October 13 morning WIB. The victory made Argentina win the top of the standings by shifting Brazil.

Coach Lionel Scaloni has deliberately not fielded Messi since the first minute of the match. Because Messi has just recovered from a muscle injury so that Scaloni doesn't force the icon to play full.

Messi himself suffered an injury that made him have to ward off and rest. He was also absent during four Inter Miami matches in the MLS competition. Messi was only able to appear in the last match against FC Cincinnati.

However, the former Barcelona star played the last 10 minutes in the game which was won by Cincinnati 1-0.

After that match, Messi joined the La Albiceleste team which competed in the World Cup qualifiers. They played two qualifying matches against Paraguay and Peru.

Even though he joined, Messi still doubted his appearance until finally Scaloni took him down for 45 minutes.

In that match, Argentina showed its dominance. Because Messi was benchmarked, the captain's armband was handed over to defender Nicolas Otamendi.

Otamendi was also the one who scored a quick goal when the game had only been running for three minutes. The goal started when Rodrigo De Paul crossed a cross which was then met with a volley from the former Manchester City defender who is now playing at Benfica.

After that goal, Argentina continued to play offensively which forced Paraguay to survive more. Even Rodrigo De Paul almost increased the team's advantage.

However, his shot still hit the post towards the end of the first half. The score did not change 1-0 until the first 45 minutes were over.

In the second half, Messi came on to replace Julian Alvarez. It's just that, he failed to score.

However, Messi came close to breaking into Paraguay's goal twice if the ball didn't hit the post. The score remains 1-0 for Argentina and lasts until the end of the match.

Victory over Paraguay gave Argentina a perfect result during the first three matches. They pocketed nine points and took the top spot in the standings.

Brazil, who fell to second place with six points, is still playing the match against Venezuela.

Meanwhile, Paraguay is at the bottom. They are ranked ninth with point one.