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 World Cup 2026 qualifying match on Thursday night.

Messi fired a shot in the 25th minute inside the penalty area, which flew over the net into the stands after it was deflected by Gomez, the No. 1 player on the MLS 22 Under 22 this season.

Messi had an extended talk with three referees as the match went to halftime. He had reason to be upset, hitting the deck at least three times after tough challenges by Paraguayan defenders in the first half. The challenges have not resulted in any yellow cards.

Paraguay’s Antonio Sanabria scored a bicycle kick, while Omar Alderete opened the second half with the game-deciding goal – assisted by Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Diego Gomez.

Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez, the leading scorer from the club’s Copa America title run, scored the opening goal in the 11th minute for the reigning world champions. But they were unable to find the back of the net again Thursday.

Messi will play his final of the game of the year next Tuesday in Buenos Aires when Argentina hosts Peru in another World Cup qualifying match.

Messi has lost three straight matches for club and country, including Inter Miami’s losses in Game 2 and 3 of their first-round exit to Atlanta United in the MLS Cup Playoffs. His MLS season ended last Saturday.

Argentina still leads the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings with 22 points, but could concede the lead Friday when Colombia (second with 19 points) visits Uruguay on Friday. Brazil is third with 17 points.

Paraguay improved to 16 points with the win, but is behind Uruguay and Ecuador in the standings.