Pablo Sarabia and Omar Alderete had the answers for Paraguay in a 2-1 win over Argentina in World Cup qualifying, as a rough week for Lionel Messi got a little bit worse on Thursday.
Argentina remain well-positioned to qualify for the World Cup and looked ready to cruise following Lautaro Martinez’s early goal in Asuncion.
MORE — South America qualifying fixtures, table, hub
Messi was targeted by Paraguayan attackers, fouled five times in a loss which comes just four days after his first foray into the MLS Cup Playoffs ended in a shocking upset versus Atlanta United.
La Albirroja leap into sixth place, the final automatic qualifying position for the 2026 World Cup in North America, while Argentina remain atop the CONMEBOL standings with 22 points from 11 games.
Paraguay go to Bolivia on Tuesday afternoon, while Argentina host Peru later that night.
Kick off time: 6:30 pm ET Thursday (November 14)
Venue: Estadio Defensores del Chaco
Stream link: Fanatiz USA
Antonio Sanabria leads the way with 3 goals, accounting for 75 perfect of Paraguay’s goals in World Cup qualifying. Yes, that is four goals in 10 games. It is nearly impossible to qualify for the World Cup scoring at that rate, unless you concede goals just as rarely. Four goals scored, four goals conceded. Three 1-0 defeats; no one has scored multiple goals against them. Three victories, all by a single goal; only scored in 3 of 10 games.
Messi leads all players (surprise, surprise) with 6 goals, followed not so closely by 36-year-old defender Nicolas Otamendi (3 goals) and forwards Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Gonzalez (2 each) chipping in as well. Gonzalez is the key absence for Argentina this week as he recovers from a thigh injury
Chances are going to be few and far between, and it might just come down to a set piece in the end. Advantage: Messi and Otamendi. Paraguay 0-1 Argentina.
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