Does Messi play? Time, TV, stream

Lionel Messi returns to action with the Argentina national team on Thursday evening for a 2026 World Cup qualifier away against Paraguay.

Although Messi has not declared that he will play in the next World Cup, he is still playing matches with Argentina to help them qualify for the tournament in the twilight of his legendary career.

Messi is expected to start and captain Argentina against Paraguay, which will be his penultimate match in 2024. He will play one more match this year when Argentina hosts Peru in Buenos Aires next Tuesday.

Messi, the star of Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, saw it his historic MLS season is coming to an end with a first-round exit to Atlanta United last Saturday.

Argentina top the Conmebol World Cup standings and lead the South American teams with 22 points, while Paraguay are in sixth place with 13 points.

The big storyline heading into this match in Paraguay: Will the fans comply? Paraguay’s ban on Messi jerseys to create a greater home field advantage?

How to watch Paraguay vs Argentina live stream?

The match will be streamed live Fanatic pay-per-view for $29.99.

What time is the match between Paraguay and Argentina?

The match starts at 6:30 PM ET (7:30 PM in Argentina and 8:30 PM in Paraguay).

Will Messi play tonight?

Yes, Messi is expected to start and captain Argentina in the match.

What did Paraguay say about Messi jersey ban?

Paraguayan Football Federation manager Fernando Villasboa wants fans to support the home team in Thursday’s match. He issued a ban on Argentine jerseys, jerseys of Argentine clubs and jerseys supporting Argentine players at other clubs around the world.

That includes Messi’s Argentina, Barcelona and Inter Miami jerseys (okay, maybe a few Paris Saint-Germain shirts too).

“We don’t allow the other team’s shirt. It’s no problem against Messi. We respect the careers of all football players. It’s just that home base is very important to us.” Villasboa said this at a press conference on Wednesday.

Paraguay vs. Argentina pits Messi against Inter Miami teammate

The match also puts Paraguayan Diego Gomez in the spotlight No. 1 player on the MLS 22 under 22 list this season and Messi’s Inter Miami teammate.

It will be their first match against each other in an international game.

What’s next for Messi in 2025?

Messi posted bye to the 2024 MLS season on his Instagram account this week after Inter Miami’s playoff exit.

“A season ended in which we continued to grow as a club and although we achieved some goals, we wanted more,” Messi wrote on Instagram on Monday. “Thank you to all the people who joined us and supported us. Let us now prepare to come back stronger next year.”

Here’s more on what’s next for Messi next year and beyond.