  In this work, we analyze (using a chiral effective Lagrangian model) the
scalar and pseudoscalar meson mass spectrum of QCD at finite temperature, above
the chiral transition at $T_c$, in the realistic case with $N_f = 2 + 1$ light
quark flavors (that is, with $m_{u,d} \to 0$ and $m_s \neq 0$), looking, in
particular, for signatures of the breaking of the $U(1)$ axial symmetry above
$T_c$. A critical comparison with the corresponding results obtained (in a
previous study) in the two limit cases $N_f = 2$ and $N_f = 3$ and with the
available lattice results is performed, together with a discussion on the
limits of validity of a description in terms of a chiral effective Lagrangian
model.
