In a thrilling and tense encounter in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Argentina and Paraguay shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on November 15, 2024. The match saw plenty of drama, particularly in the dying moments, when a potential Lionel Messi match-winner was controversially disallowed due to an offside call, leaving the Argentine fans and players frustrated.
The Match: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Both teams entered the match under pressure. Argentina was looking to recover from their shocking defeat to Paraguay in the previous qualifier, while Paraguay sought to continue their momentum after that historic win, aiming to put distance between themselves and the chasing pack in the South American World Cup Qualifiers.
Paraguay Takes the Lead
The first half was tightly contested, with both teams creating chances, but struggling to find a breakthrough. Argentina controlled most of the possession, with Lionel Messi pulling the strings from midfield. However, it was Paraguay who shocked the home crowd in the 38th minute, when Adam Bareiro took advantage of a defensive lapse from Argentina to slot home after a well-timed counterattack. Roberto Fernández, the Paraguayan goalkeeper, had a hand in the build-up, quickly releasing a long ball that caught Argentina off guard.
The goal gave Paraguay a well-deserved 1-0 lead going into the halftime break, and Argentina faced an uphill battle in the second half to salvage a point.
Argentina Responds: Messi’s Equalizer
The second half saw Argentina come out with greater urgency. Lionel Scaloni made some tactical changes, bringing on Lautaro Martínez and Ángel Di María to add fresh attacking options. The increased pressure paid off in the 64th minute when Messi scored a magnificent free-kick from just outside the box to bring Argentina level. His trademark left-footed shot curled around the wall and into the top corner of the net, leaving Roberto Fernández with no chance. The goal was vintage Messi—combining precision and creativity, as he once again showed why he’s one of the best in the world.
The Argentine fans erupted in celebration, and the match was now wide open. Paraguay continued to defend resolutely, but they knew they could not afford to sit back entirely, as Argentina threw everything forward in search of a winner.
Drama in the Dying Moments
With the match heading toward its conclusion, Argentina seemed to have found the breakthrough in the 87th minute. A long ball from midfield found Lionel Messi in the penalty area, who calmly slotted the ball past Roberto Fernández into the net. The stadium erupted in jubilation as the Argentine players rushed to embrace Messi, believing they had secured all three points.
However, the celebration was short-lived. After a lengthy review by the VAR (Video Assistant Referee), the goal was disallowed. The referee, after consulting the pitch-side monitor, ruled that Messi was offside when the ball was played to him, much to the dismay of the players and fans. Replays showed Messi’s left foot was indeed marginally ahead of the last Paraguayan defender when the ball was passed, leading to the controversial decision.
Key Moments and Takeaways
- Argentina’s Dominance in Possession: Argentina controlled the ball for the majority of the match, with Messi pulling the strings in midfield. However, despite their possession dominance, they struggled to break down Paraguay’s disciplined defense, especially in the first half.
- Paraguay’s Counterattack: The visitors executed their counterattacks with precision, and Adam Bareiro‘s goal highlighted the dangers of Paraguay’s quick transitions. The team defended well and looked dangerous on the break, particularly through the pace of Nicolás González and Miguel Almirón.
- Lionel Messi’s Moment of Magic: Messi’s free-kick was one of the standout moments of the game. His equalizer was a reminder of his unique quality and ability to deliver in crucial moments. However, his disallowed goal will undoubtedly be the talking point, as Argentina felt robbed of a late victory.
- Controversial VAR Decision: The disallowed goal sparked heated debates. Many argued that the decision was too harsh, with some calling the offside decision marginal and questioning whether the technology should be used in such tight calls. Despite the protests, the referee’s decision stood, and Argentina was left to settle for just one point.
- Paraguay’s Resilience: Paraguay will be pleased with the result, as they showed resilience throughout the match. The point gained in Buenos Aires is invaluable as they continue their push for World Cup qualification. They held firm defensively, especially after conceding the equalizer, and will feel that they earned a hard-fought draw.
The Table After the Draw
The result leaves Argentina still in a strong position, but it highlights their struggles in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The team will need to find more consistency as the road to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico intensifies. Paraguay, on the other hand, will be buoyed by the draw, as they continue to climb up the standings and remain in contention for a qualification spot.
Here’s how the South American World Cup Qualifier table looks after the draw:
- Brazil – 30 points
- Argentina – 29 points
- Colombia – 26 points
- Paraguay – 24 points
- Uruguay – 22 points
- Chile – 21 points
- Peru – 19 points
- Ecuador – 17 points
- Bolivia – 13 points
- Venezuela – 10 points
Looking Ahead
For Argentina, the focus now shifts to their upcoming qualifiers, where they will need to correct their recent inconsistencies. With Lionel Messi still leading the charge, they will be determined to build on their strong performances, but the team will need to tighten their defense and improve their finishing in the final third.
Paraguay, meanwhile, will be pleased with the point gained in Buenos Aires. This result continues to fuel their World Cup aspirations as they remain firmly in the hunt for a top-five finish in the qualifiers. The team’s discipline and counterattacking threat have been key to their success, and they will look to carry that momentum forward into their next set of matches.
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