
In a shocking turn of events, Paraguay stunned Argentina in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier clash on November 15, 2024. Despite Lionel Messi and his World Cup-winning teammates coming into the match as heavy favorites, Paraguay pulled off a remarkable victory, leaving fans and pundits in disbelief.
Final Score: Paraguay 2-1 Argentina
The victory saw Paraguay leapfrog Uruguay in the qualifying standings, keeping their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive. It was a hard-fought encounter that saw Paraguay‘s clinical finishing and defensive resilience triumph over Argentina’s attacking prowess.
Match Summary:
Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción, Paraguay, was the venue for this dramatic World Cup qualifier. With both teams needing points to secure their places in the top spots of the CONMEBOL qualifiers, the stakes were high.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, started the game as clear favorites. With players like Ángel Di María, Julián Álvarez, and Enzo Fernández, they had the firepower to dominate the game. However, Paraguay, under their experienced coach, put in a disciplined and defensive performance, frustrating Argentina’s attacking line-up.
First Half:
The game began at a fast pace, with Argentina controlling possession and looking to break down Paraguay’s defense. However, despite Argentina’s dominance, it was Paraguay who broke the deadlock in the 27th minute.
A well-timed counterattack saw Miguel Almirón race down the left wing, delivering a precise cross into the box for Adam Bareiro, who made no mistake in finishing past Emiliano Martínez. The Paraguayan fans erupted, and the pressure was now on Argentina to respond.
Argentina tried to create opportunities, with Messi orchestrating play, but Paraguay’s defense, led by Fabián Balbuena and Junior Alonso, was resolute. Argentina had a few chances, but Roberto Fernández in goal for Paraguay made a number of key saves to keep the scoreline in Paraguay’s favor.
Second Half:
The second half saw Argentina push forward relentlessly, and it finally paid off in the 59th minute. Julián Álvarez found space in the box and scored a brilliant header from a corner, leveling the score at 1-1. The tension was palpable as both teams pushed for a winner, but Paraguay continued to absorb pressure and counterattack.
In the 73rd minute, Paraguay caught Argentina off-guard once again. A quick free-kick saw Derlis González sprinting past Argentina’s high defensive line, and his pinpoint pass found Richard Sánchez in the box. Sánchez calmly slotted the ball past Martínez to restore Paraguay’s lead. The stadium went wild, and Argentina found themselves trailing once more.
Argentina fought hard to find an equalizer in the final 15 minutes, with Messi pulling the strings, but Paraguay’s defense stood firm. Despite a few close calls and a disallowed goal from Messi in the 86th minute for offside, Paraguay held on to secure a famous victory.
Key Moments:
- Adam Bareiro’s Opener (27′) – The Paraguayan striker capitalized on a swift counterattack, giving his team an early lead.
- Julián Álvarez’s Equalizer (59′) – Argentina’s striker rose highest to head in a corner and level the score.
- Richard Sánchez’s Winner (73′) – A quick free-kick led to Sánchez scoring the decisive goal, sending Paraguay fans into raptures.
- Lionel Messi’s Disallowed Goal (86′) – Messi thought he had scored the winner, but the goal was ruled offside, much to Argentina’s frustration.
Player of the Match:
Roberto Fernández (Paraguay Goalkeeper)
The Paraguayan goalkeeper played an instrumental role in his team’s victory. He made a number of key saves, especially in the first half, to keep Argentina at bay. His composure and leadership in goal were vital as Argentina pushed for an equalizer.
What This Victory Means for Paraguay:
This unexpected win against Argentina is a huge boost for Paraguay’s World Cup qualifying hopes. With the three points, Paraguay moves level on points with Uruguay and climbs into the mix for the coveted qualification spots. The win not only gives them much-needed momentum but also boosts their confidence in their ability to take on the heavyweights of South American football.
This victory also marks a significant moment for Paraguay in their footballing history, as they defeated the World Cup champions in front of their home crowd. The win will be remembered as one of the great moments in Paraguayan football.
What’s Next for Argentina?
For Argentina, this loss is a setback in their bid to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Despite the strong performance from their attacking stars like Messi, they were unable to break down a resolute Paraguayan defense. The disallowed goal late in the game was a cruel blow for Lionel Messi and co.
However, this loss is not the end of the road for Argentina, and they will need to regroup and focus on their next qualifier. With the likes of Messi, Álvarez, and Di María, they still have a team capable of challenging for top spot in the CONMEBOL qualifiers.
Full Time Score:
Paraguay 2-1 Argentina
Post-Match Reaction:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina): “We had our chances, but we didn’t take them. Credit to Paraguay, they were very well organized, and we couldn’t break them down. We need to learn from this and bounce back.”
- Gustavo Gómez (Paraguay Captain): “This victory is very important for us. We knew it would be a tough match, but we played with heart and discipline. We believe we can qualify for the World Cup if we continue to play like this.”