Argentina’s rocky stretch in World Cup qualifying took another hit Thursday evening as they fell 2-1 to Paraguay in Asunción. Despite an early goal from Lautaro Martinez, Lionel Scaloni’s squad could not withstand Paraguay’s relentless attack, led by a spectacular bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria and a decisive header by Omar Alderete. For the reigning World Cup champions, the loss marks a concerning trend, with only one victory in their last four qualifiers.
Lautaro Martinez Shines in an Otherwise Lackluster Attack
Argentina started brightly, with Lautaro Martinez capitalizing on a perfectly-timed run in the 11th minute to slot home the opener. The Inter Milan striker was a constant menace, making clever runs and linking well with Julian Alvarez to keep Paraguay’s defense under pressure. Yet, his efforts alone couldn’t carry an offense that lacked cohesion, especially with Lionel Messi operating in an unusually withdrawn role.
Messi’s subdued performance left Argentina’s attack lacking its usual creativity. Struggling to adapt to an inverted role, the captain rarely ventured into dangerous positions and seemed out of sync with the rest of the forward line. His inability to influence the game in the final third raised questions about the team’s reliance on his brilliance, particularly on nights when he appears less than his best.
Sanabria’s Stunner and Alderete’s Header Sink Argentina
Paraguay’s response to Martinez’s opener was swift and spectacular. Antonio Sanabria brought the crowd to life in the 19th minute with a jaw-dropping overhead kick. The strike was a moment of pure brilliance, leaving goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez rooted to the spot and leveling the match.
The game turned decisively in the second half. Cristian Romero, who had been solid in the first 45 minutes, was forced off with a right foot injury, disrupting Argentina’s defensive rhythm. His replacement, Leonardo Balerdi, failed to rise to the occasion, allowing Omar Alderete to head home the winner from a pinpoint cross by Inter Miami’s Diego Gomez.
Defensive Lapses and a Midfield Battle
Argentina’s defensive woes were evident throughout the match. The pairing of Balerdi and veteran Nicolas Otamendi failed to communicate effectively, a misstep that led directly to Alderete’s goal. Fullbacks Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico also struggled, unable to cope with Paraguay’s pace on the flanks.
In midfield, Enzo Fernandez was a standout performer. The Chelsea star dictated the tempo with his precise passing and vision, notching another assist to continue his rich vein of form. However, his efforts were overshadowed by missed opportunities from teammates. Rodrigo De Paul, for instance, squandered a golden chance to equalize in the second half, blasting a clear shot over the bar.
| Player Ratings: Argentina vs. Paraguay | |
|---|---|
| Player | Rating |
| Lautaro Martinez | 8/10 |
| Enzo Fernandez | 8/10 |
| Julian Alvarez | 7/10 |
| Lionel Messi | 5/10 |
| Cristian Romero | 6/10 |
Substitutions Fail to Spark a Comeback
Scaloni turned to his bench in search of a spark, but the substitutes made little impact. Alejandro Garnacho struggled to find his footing after replacing Alexis Mac Allister, while late introductions of Gonzalo Montiel and Leandro Paredes were too little, too late. Valentin Castellanos, who came on in the dying moments, barely touched the ball.
The manager’s tactical approach wasn’t necessarily flawed; rather, Paraguay’s attacking quartet outplayed Argentina’s fullbacks and exposed the gaps left by Romero’s absence. Scaloni’s challenge will be to ensure his squad regains focus and rhythm ahead of their next qualifier against Peru.
Paraguay’s Resurgence and What’s Next for Argentina
The victory keeps Paraguay firmly in the hunt for a World Cup spot, as they now sit sixth in the CONMEBOL standings, level on points with Uruguay. For Argentina, the loss, while disappointing, doesn’t jeopardize their position at the top of the table. With 22 points from 11 matches, they remain on track for qualification, but the cracks in their recent performances are hard to ignore.
As they prepare to host Peru, Scaloni will likely focus on addressing defensive stability and reestablishing Messi’s influence in attack. The fitness of Romero, a key figure at the back, will also be a major concern.
For now, though, Argentina will have to reflect on a missed opportunity in Paraguay—a match that highlighted both the depth of their squad and the challenges they face in maintaining their dominance.
