Lionel Messi-led Argentina lost their 4th match in over five years as Paraguay overturned a 1-goal deficit to defeat La Albiceleste 2-1 in Asuncion on 15th November, 2024 (IST). Lautaro Martinez gave the visitors the lead in 11th minute before Antonio Sanabria brought back parity eight minutes later.
In the second-half, it was defender Omar Alderete, who netted the decisive goal to clinch all 3 points for La Albirojja. Despite the loss, Argentina stay at the top of the table with 22 points from 11 matches, while Paraguay remain at 6th.
La Albirojja have now beaten Brazil and Argentina in this qualifying phase in a span of two months. This was the Paraguayans first-ever win over a defending World Champion in a World Cup qualifier. It was also the first time since 2008 that they have won 3 World Cup qualifying matches at home and for the first time since 2008, they are unbeaten in 5 World Cup qualifiers.
The South American World Cup qualifiers will continue with Round 11 on Saturday (IST). Colombia, currently in second place, will travel to face Uruguay, while the bottom two teams, Peru and Chile, will clash in Lima.
Messi had limited chances to get on the ball in the first half and expressed frustration with Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco for not issuing a red card to Paraguay's Omar Alderete after a series of tough tackles.
“We came to a hard place where the national team always struggled. We have to correct a lot of things we did wrong in this match, but generally speaking we are playing well. We are still in the lead, and we have to look forward'', Lautaro Martinez said after the match.
Argentina will next face Peru in a home game at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on 20th November, 2024.
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