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.

The last round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup had several standout players. It seemed like Raphinha was going to be the protagonist for Brazil, scoring a fantastic goal in his debut wearing the number 10 jersey for the national team,

Venezuela held Brazil to a 1-1 draw with a second-half strike from Telasco Segovia in South American World Cup qualifying. Vinicius Junior missed a penalty. The Real Madrid player headlined the match but for the wrong reasons.

Lionel Messi was held scoreless as Argentina suffered a 2-1 loss to Paraguay in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match on Thursday night.

Lionel Messi was left frustrated as Argentina suffered a surprise loss to Paraguay on Thursday as he was seen confronting the referee.