
In a dramatic and hard-fought encounter on November 15, 2024, Paraguay defeated Argentina 2-1 in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier. The loss, which marks a significant setback in Argentina’s qualification campaign, raises serious questions about their form and future prospects in the qualifiers, especially as Lionel Messi struggles to carry his team to safety.
Final Score: Paraguay 2-1 Argentina
Goals:
- Paraguay: Adam Bareiro (27′), Richard Sánchez (73′)
- Argentina: Julián Álvarez (59′)
Match Summary:
Paraguay, playing in front of their home crowd at Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción, secured a vital win over Argentina in their ongoing bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Argentina controlled much of the possession, Paraguay’s disciplined defense and clinical counterattacks proved to be the difference.
- First Half: Despite dominating possession, Argentina was unable to break down Paraguay’s defense. The match saw Paraguay score first in the 27th minute. A swift counter-attack saw Miguel Almirón find Adam Bareiro, who slotted the ball past Emiliano Martínez to give La Albirroja the lead.
- Second Half: Argentina responded in the 59th minute with a header from Julián Álvarez, who capitalized on a well-delivered corner. However, just 14 minutes later, Paraguay struck again. A quick free-kick caught Argentina’s defense off guard, and Richard Sánchez finished clinically to put Paraguay ahead once again, 2-1.
Despite numerous attempts and an emotional push from Lionel Messi, Argentina could not find the equalizer, leaving them with a painful loss.
Key Moments:
- Adam Bareiro’s Opener (27′) – Paraguay‘s counterattack was perfectly executed, with Miguel Almirón setting up Adam Bareiro to break the deadlock.
- Julián Álvarez’s Equalizer (59′) – A well-timed header from Álvarez brought Argentina level.
- Richard Sánchez’s Winning Goal (73′) – Paraguay capitalized on a quick free-kick to retake the lead, with Sánchez calmly finishing past Martínez.
- Messi’s Disallowed Goal (86′) – Messi thought he had scored the equalizer in the dying minutes, but the goal was ruled offside after a VAR review, frustrating both Messi and the entire Argentina squad.
What the Loss Means for Messi:
The defeat to Paraguay is not just a blow to Argentina’s World Cup qualification campaign, but it also adds to the growing pressure on Lionel Messi, who has been shouldering much of the responsibility for his country. Here’s what the loss means for Messi:
1. Qualification Hopes at Risk
- With Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, and other South American powerhouses competing for the top spots in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, every point is crucial. Argentina’s failure to secure a point in Paraguay leaves them vulnerable in the race for automatic qualification.
- Argentina will need to regroup and secure results in their upcoming qualifiers to avoid falling into the playoff spots, which would be a much more difficult route to the 2026 World Cup.
2. Messi’s Frustration and Leadership
- Lionel Messi has often been the figurehead of Argentina’s success, but the loss highlighted the growing frustration for the captain. His usual calm demeanor cracked, especially after his disallowed goal late in the game, which was ruled offside following a VAR review.
- In the 86th minute, Messi’s outburst at the referee—shouting “You are a sh*t” in Spanish—was a rare display of his frustration. While Messi later apologized, this moment shows the immense emotional toll the qualifying process is taking on the veteran forward.
3. Pressure on Messi to Deliver
- Messi has been carrying the hopes of his country on his shoulders for over a decade, and the loss against Paraguay only adds to the growing pressure on his shoulders. At 37 years old, this could very well be his last World Cup cycle, and the weight of that reality is no doubt affecting his mental state and on-field performances.
- With Argentina failing to secure an automatic qualification spot for the 2026 World Cup, Messi’s leadership and ability to inspire his teammates will be under intense scrutiny. There’s a fear that if he can’t lead Argentina back to the World Cup, it could tarnish his legacy, despite his heroics in winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
4. Possible Consequences for Argentina
- While the defeat to Paraguay doesn’t mean Argentina is out of the qualifiers, it does set them back in a highly competitive South American qualification group. Any further slip-ups in upcoming matches could jeopardize their chances of direct qualification, forcing them into a much more perilous situation.
5. Looking Ahead:
- Messi and Argentina must regroup quickly, as they cannot afford many more slip-ups in the final rounds of the South American qualifiers. The team must find a way to get back to winning ways, and it will be up to Messi to lead by example. However, Argentina’s reliance on him to deliver in every match may be a double-edged sword, especially given the physical and emotional demands he faces.
What This Loss Means for Argentina as a Whole:
While Lionel Messi is the focal point of much of the media coverage, Argentina’s loss to Paraguay goes beyond just one player. Argentina’s failure to capitalize on possession, defensive lapses, and inability to convert chances could indicate broader issues within the squad. As the qualifiers progress, Argentina will need to find consistency in their performances, and Lionel Messi will need to find a way to inspire his teammates, particularly if the team is to overcome the challenges of the CONMEBOL qualifying group.