In a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match, the reigning World Cup champions, Argentina, graced the field on a Thursday night to face off against Paraguay. The crowd gathered at the Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires with eager anticipation for the return of their local hero, Lionel Messi. This marked Messi’s first appearance for the national team since their 1-0 victory over Ecuador on September 7.
The anticipation of the fans was met with sheer delight as Messi made a second-half entrance, contributing to Argentina‘s commanding 1-0 win against Paraguay. The match’s lone goal came from Nicolás Otamendi, who unleashed a powerful strike from the right side of the box in the third minute, securing his first goal in World Cup qualifying matches.
Argentina’s early goal set the stage for an exceptional performance. They dominated the game throughout the first half and finished with an impressive 75% possession. In contrast, Paraguay struggled to maintain control and managed only a single shot on goal throughout the match.
Despite numerous opportunities to widen their lead following Otamendi’s early goal, Argentina couldn’t find the back of the net. In the 16th minute, Lautaro Martínez had a promising chance, but Paraguay’s goalkeeper, Carlos Coronel, pulled off one of his three crucial saves to deny the goal.
Argentina’s most promising effort in the first half came from Nicolás González, who narrowly missed the target with a shot from the center of the box, passing just a foot wide of the post in the 45th minute.
In the second half, Messi made his entrance into the game, substituting for Julián Álvarez. Initially declining the captain’s armband offered by Otamendi, he eventually accepted it with a smile.
Messi came remarkably close to scoring on three occasions in the second half. His corner kick in the 76th minute narrowly missed the top left corner of the goal, while Coronel made a vital block to deny a shot from outside the box fifteen minutes later. Messi’s final free kick of the game deflected off the left post.
Thanks to an outstanding defensive performance throughout the match, Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, achieved a national team record by keeping a clean sheet for 609 consecutive minutes. His last conceded goal for Argentina dates back to the World Cup final against France in December.
In conclusion
Argentina vs. Paraguay match was a thrilling encounter that not only showcased the brilliance of Lionel Messi but also the strength of the Argentine team. With Otamendi’s crucial goal and Messi’s spectacular return, it was a memorable game for soccer enthusiasts. The victory was well-deserved, and it’s clear that Argentina remains a force to be reckoned with in international football. As we look forward to more exciting matches and moments in the world of soccer, this game will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight in the ongoing journey of these two teams.
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