Lionel Messi comes off the bench for Argentina as Nicolas Otamendi’s early strike earns La Albiceleste a crucial 1-0 win in World Cup qualifier against Paraguay

• Lionel Messi played in the second half as Argentina earned a close victory
• The Inter Miami forward will soon wrap up his maiden season in MLS
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!‘

Lionel Messi came off the bench for Argentina on Thursday as La Albiceleste beat Paraguay 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier.

Messi, whose MLS season will finish next weekend with Inter Miami eliminated from playoff contention, entered the match in the 53rd minute for Julian Alvarez.

Nicolas Otamendi scored the lone goal for the favorites in the third minute.

With the win,…