Lionel Messi's eventful 2024 took another tough turn as Argentina fell to Paraguay 2-1 in a World Cup qualifying match. The reigning World Cup champions struggled to capitalize on their chances, leaving the iconic star without a goal in a pivotal game.
Paraguay’s Antonio Sanabria scored an impressive bicycle kick, while Omar Alderete delivered the decisive second-half goal, aided by Messi's Inter Miami teammate Diego Gomez. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring for Argentina in the 11th minute, but the team failed to add to their tally, leaving their efforts short.
Scaloni Eyes Redemption Against Peru
Messi’s final match of 2024 is set for Tuesday in Buenos Aires, where Argentina will host Peru in another qualifying game. Reflecting on the loss, coach Lionel Scaloni remarked, “Peru will pose a completely different challenge. We’ll prepare thoroughly and aim to give our fans something to celebrate.”
For only the third time in his illustrious career, Messi finds himself on the losing side in three consecutive games. This streak includes Argentina’s loss to Paraguay and Inter Miami’s two defeats against Atlanta United during the MLS Cup Playoffs, marking a disappointing end to his debut MLS season.
The last two instances of such a streak were in 2014 and 2016 during Messi’s time with Barcelona, underlining how rare such slumps are for the football legend.
Argentina’s Second Loss of the Year
Argentina’s defeat to Paraguay is their second in the last four games and the fifth in 69 matches since winning the World Cup. Here’s a look at their other losses during this period:
A 2-0 loss to Brazil in the 2019 Copa America semifinals.
A 2-1 upset by Saudi Arabia during the opening match of the 2022 World Cup.
A 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier in November 2023.
A 2-1 loss to Colombia in September 2023 when Messi was sidelined with an ankle injury.
Messi's Frustration on the Pitch
Messi was visibly frustrated during the match, especially after his shot in the 25th minute, deflected by Gomez, soared over the crossbar. The Argentine captain also endured multiple rough tackles in the first half, none of which resulted in yellow cards. At halftime, Messi was seen in an extended discussion with the referees, expressing his dissatisfaction.
Despite his efforts in the second half, Messi couldn’t influence the game’s outcome. Scaloni acknowledged the team’s struggles after Alderete’s decisive goal, saying, “We performed well in the first half, but the early goal in the second changed everything. Credit to Paraguay for their solid defense.”
Conmebol Standings Update
Argentina remains at the top of the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings with 22 points, though their lead is at risk. Colombia, second with 19 points, faces Uruguay on Friday and could overtake Argentina. Brazil holds the third spot with 17 points.
Paraguay, now with 16 points, remains behind Uruguay and Ecuador but inches closer to contention for one of the six qualifying spots in the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Conclusion
Argentina’s unexpected defeat to Paraguay marks a rare stumble for the reigning World Cup champions. While Messi’s losing streak underscores the challenges faced by both his club and national teams, Argentina still leads the Conmebol standings. The upcoming clash against Peru offers a chance to regain momentum as the road to the 2026 World Cup continues. As fans eagerly await Messi’s next match, his resilience and ability to inspire his team will remain crucial in determining Argentina’s success on the global stage.
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