Lionel Messi’s Argentina held a 1-0 lead over Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, courtesy of Lautaro Martínez’s goal. However, Paraguay leveled the score with a spectacular overhead kick from Antonio Sanabria that left goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez helpless.
By Alejandro Lopez Vega
By Alejandro Lopez Vega
Argentina face Paraguay in Matchday 11 of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Messi’s team took a 1-0 lead through Lautaro MartInez‘s goal, but the hosts leveled the score with an incredible overhead kick from Antonio Sanabria that left goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ MartInez with no chance to react.
The match began favorably for the reigning world champions, who nearly struck early when Julian Alvarez delivered a low, driven cross that Lautaro Martinez narrowly missed. However, the Inter Milan striker capitalized on another opportunity moments later. Enzo Fernandez provided a delicate assist, allowing Martinez to score the opener, which was subsequently confirmed after a VAR review.
¡El VAR dice…. GOL para Argentina! 🔥
Argentina’s joy was short-lived. Just eight minutes after Lautaro’s goal, the hosts found the equalizer. Paraguay came close with a header that struck the crossbar, but in the ensuing play, Antonio Sanabria connected with a cross from the right and delivered a stunning overhead kick. His spectacular strike left goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with no chance to react, leveling the score at 1-1.
¡Detenga todo! ¡QUÉ GOLAZO DE PARAGUAY! 😱🔥
Although Argentina entered halftime tied 1-1, their performance in the first 45 minutes was strong, and they had opportunities to regain the lead. However, a lack of precision in key moments kept them from capitalizing. Yet, that wasn’t the only source of frustration for Lionel Scaloni’s side.
Argentina’s players expressed their anger toward referee Anderson Daronco over what they believed was a pivotal missed call. Near the end of the first half, Paraguayan defender Omar Alderete fouled Lionel Messi, halting a potentially dangerous attack. Scaloni’s team argued that Alderete deserved a second yellow card, which would have left Paraguay with 10 players. However, the referee decided against issuing the card, allowing Paraguay to continue with a full squad.
Alejandro Lopez Vega is a seasoned sports journalist who joined Bolavip US in October 2024. With more than thirteen years of experience in news writing, sports analysis, and event coverage, he specializes in soccer and basketball. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Alejandro has worked with various media outlets in Rosario, Argentina, such as Radio La Red and Radio Mitre. He has also been part of the Communication and Press Department for the soccer teams Newell's Old Boys and Central Córdoba. In addition to his journalism career, Alejandro is a lawyer, having graduated from the Universidad Nacional de Rosario, which brings a unique legal perspective to his sports analysis, going beyond the athletic aspects of events.
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