The Argentine team will host Paraguay at home as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for South America. Coach Lionel Scaloni launched a strong squad, including many great players such as: Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister….
Meanwhile, superstar Lionel Messi sat on the bench as he just recovered from injury. On the Paraguay side, coach Daniel Garnero’s team has the presence of a notable star: Miguel Almiron. The 29-year-old winger is playing for Newcastle United.
With a staff of outstanding quality, Argentina proactively pushed the team up right after the opening whistle. Right in the 3rd minute, the home team picked sweet fruit. Starting from a corner kick on the left wing by Rodrigo De Paul, the ball found its way to the far post and midfielder Nicolas Otamendi unleashed a classy volley, tearing into Paraguay’s net. Argentina took a 1-0 lead over Paraguay.
Otamendi scored the opening goal for Argentina.
After the early goal, Argentina took the initiative in playing. Lionel Scaloni’s army created a lot of turmoil in Paraguay’s goal. De Paul became Argentina’s biggest bright spot in the first half.
The 29-year-old midfielder plays aggressively and enthusiastically. The home team’s stars appeared ungrateful in front of goalkeeper Carlos Coronel. Alvarez, Martinez or Nicolas Gonzalez all missed good opportunities. In the 42nd minute, De Paul shot the ball against the Paraguay goal post.
At the end of the first 45 minutes, Argentina led Paraguay 1-0. Entering the second half, Argentina continued to dominate their opponents. In the 53rd minute, Lionel Messi was brought onto the field to replace Alvarez.
Messi entered the field from the bench.
During the second half of the second half, Argentina actively reduced the pace of play. In the 76th minute, Messi hit the Paraguay goalpost from a corner on the right wing.
Minute 90+3′, Messi had the ball hit the post for the second time when taking a direct free kick. End of 90 minutes, Argentina won 1-0 on aggregate against Paraguay. With this result, Argentina leads the 2026 World Cup qualifying rankings in South America with 9 absolute points after 3 matches.
Final score: Argentina 1-0 Paraguay
Scored: Otamendi (3′).
Mr. Nguyen | 07:45 October 13, 2023
