Lionel Messi’s Argentina suffered a 1-2 defeat against Paraguay in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifying match on Thursday (November 14) at the Estadio ueno Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion, Paraguay.
Lautaro Martinez had put Argentina in front in the 11th minute, but Paraguay responded eight minutes later via Antonio Sanabria before Omar Alderete scored the winner two minutes after the half-time break.
It started well for Lionel Scaloni’s team, also reigning Copa America champions, as Enzo Fernandez’s lofted pass found Martinez. But, the Argentine celebrations were forced to be delayed after an offside, which was later overturned to give the visitors the lead.
Argentina’s advantage was short-lived as the home side drew level in spectacular fashion in the 19th minute after Antonio Sanabria connected from a Gustavo Velazquez cross to fire past Emiliano Martinez with a brilliantly executed bicycle kick.
Two minutes after the half-time interval, Omar Alderete grabbed what proved to be the winner, rising at the back post to head home a cross from Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Diego Gomez.
Argentina struggled to create openings with Messi largely neutralised for the whole 90 minutes plus stoppages although the eight-times Ballon d’Or winner did provide a cross for ValentÍn Castellanos but the substitute could not keep his header down.
Despite the loss, Argentina remained top of the standings with 22 points, while victors Paraguay moved into the sixth automatic qualification spot. Elsewhere, Brazil remained in third after a draw with Venezuela.
Vinicius Junior missed a penalty as Brazil had to settle for a point after a superb Raphinha free-kick was cancelled out by a second half strike from Telasco Segovia at the Monumental Stadium in Monagas, Venezuela.
The top six South American teams qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup. Venezuela are in seventh place on 12 points and the seventh-place team will enter an Inter-confederation playoff for a spot in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
