Small surprise, Paraguay won at home against the reigning world champions Argentinians (2-1). Despite this setback, Messi's teammates are still leader of their group.
Argentina, despite the opening score by Lautaro Martinez, lost 2 to 1 in Paraguay on Thursday in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup (Amsud zone), a setback which does not prevent the world champions from remaining in top of the ranking. After 11 days, captain Lionel Messi and his teammates have 22 points and remain three points ahead of Colombia, who have a game in hand, and five ahead of Brazil, held to a draw in Venezuela (1-1).
In Asuncion, Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a sequence of right control and left cross. If it was first signaled in an offside position, the goal was validated by the VAR. But the Paraguayans, who are in the fight to win one of the six qualifying places, quickly equalized, in superb fashion, on a “bicycle” from Torino player Tony Sanabria (1-1, 19th).
Paraguay's winning goal was scored after the break by Getafe defender Omar Alderete with a header beyond Emiliano's reach. «Repost» Martinez, following a free kick conceded by the Argentine player from Marseille, Leonardo Balerdi (2-1, 47th).
“We had possession and chances. They defended well, they have the players for that”commented Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
Scorer Lautaro Martinez criticized the refereeing of Brazilian Anderson Daronco, believing that the second Paraguayan scorer should have been sent off in the first period for his harsh play on Léo Messi.
“The one who should no longer have been on the field finds himself scoring the decisive goal”he denounced. Argentina will have the opportunity to redeem itself next Tuesday when they host Peru, while Paraguay, currently 6th (16 points), will travel to Bolivia, 8th (12 points).
