Pablo Sarabia and Omar Alderete propelled Paraguay to a 2-1 victory over Argentina in World Cup qualifying, adding to a challenging week for Lionel Messi. Argentina initially seemed poised for an easy win after Lautaro Martinez scored early in the match held in Asuncion.
Despite the setback, Argentina remains in a strong position for World Cup qualification, currently leading the CONMEBOL standings with 22 points from 11 matches. The loss for Argentina came just days after Messi faced disappointment in his debut in the MLS Cup playoffs, where his team suffered a surprising defeat against Atlanta United.
With this recent victory, Paraguay has surged into sixth place, which is the last automatic qualifying spot for the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America. Paraguay’s next challenge is against Bolivia on Tuesday, while Argentina will host Peru the same night.
In terms of scoring, Paraguayan forward Antonio Sanabria is a key player, having netted 3 of Paraguay’s 4 goals in World Cup qualifying. Meanwhile, Messi leads all players in the tournament with 6 goals, and he is supported by defender Nicolas Otamendi and forwards Julian Alvarez, both contributing significantly to Argentina’s efforts.
Looking ahead, the match against Argentina highlighted the competitive nature of South American football, and both teams will need to capitalize on limited scoring opportunities moving forward. Paraguay’s defensive strength could be an asset, while Argentina will rely on their star players to regain momentum in their upcoming fixtures.
This match exemplifies the unpredictable nature of football, with teams ready to capitalize on any chance they get, and both Paraguay and Argentina will need to reassess their strategies as they continue on their road to the World Cup.