Argentina’s Lionel Messi (centre) in motion with Paraguay’s Gustavo Gomez (left) and Diego Gomez throughout their South American Qualifiers match at Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asuncion, Paraguay on November 14, 2024. — Reuters
A surprising bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria and a second-half header from Omar Alderete gave Paraguay a nicely earned 2-1 dwelling win over Lionel Messi’s Argentina within the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.
Argentina took the lead 11 minutes into the sport when Enzo Fernandez’s deep go discovered Lautaro Martinez, whose thunderous shot was initially dominated out for offside, however was ultimately awarded after a VAR evaluate.
Paraguay went shut moments later when Gustavo Gomez’s header from a nook hit the crossbar.
The house aspect shortly tried once more with Gustavo Velazquez’s cross discovering Sanabria, who unleashed an excellent overhead kick that left goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez helpless.
The shocked guests struggled to seek out their toes, with Messi, 36, largely absent from the motion for a lot of the primary half and solely managing one shot that went extensive.
Nevertheless, he was twice fouled by Alderete, however referee Anderson Daroco did not present him a second yellow card earlier than the break.
“I think, overall, we played a great game. We controlled the ball. Their goals came from two of our mistakes. We need to fix our lapses on set pieces,” striker Martinez mentioned after the match to TyC sports activities.
“The (goal) at the start of the second half made everything more difficult. We have to congratulate the opponent, who defended very well,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni instructed a press convention.
World Cup holders Argentina prime the standings with 22 factors from 11 video games and can host ninth-placed Peru on Tuesday.
Paraguay are sixth on 16 factors, behind on purpose distinction to Ecuador, who hammered Bolivia 4-0 on Thursday, and Uruguay, who host second-placed Colombia on Friday.
Earlier, Brazil have been held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela, leaving them in third place on 17 factors.
The highest six groups will qualify mechanically for the 2026 World Cup hosted by america, Mexico and Canada.
