Lionel Messi’s busy 2024 is coming to an end with a losing streak. Messi, the World Cup champion and Inter Miami star in MLS, was held scoreless as Argentina suffered a 2-1 loss to Paraguay in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match on Thursday night.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Vinicius Júnior had frustrating nights in South American World Cup qualifying.

World champions Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat to Paraguay while rivals Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at Venezuela as South America's big guns struggled in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Thursday.

Paraguay defeated Argentina 2-1 in a South American World Cup qualifier with stunning goals from Antonio Sanabria and Omar Alderete. Argentina's initial goal was awarded after a VAR review. Paraguay's victory held despite several Argentine attempts,