Argentina Dominates Paraguay In 2026 Qualifiers

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Post on Nov 15, 2024

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Argentina Dominates Paraguay in Convincing World Cup Qualifier Victory

Buenos Aires, Argentina – Lionel Messi and Argentina delivered a masterclass performance, dismantling Paraguay 4-1 in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier at the iconic Estadio Monumental. The victory extends Argentina's unbeaten streak and solidifies their position at the top of the CONMEBOL standings.

From the opening whistle, Argentina dictated the tempo, showcasing the fluid attacking football that has become their trademark under manager Lionel Scaloni. The home side’s high press suffocated Paraguay's attempts to build from the back, forcing errors and creating numerous opportunities.

The breakthrough came in the 15th minute. A scintillating move involving Ángel Di María and Rodrigo De Paul culminated in a perfectly weighted through ball for Messi, who slotted the ball past the outstretched Paraguay goalkeeper with his trademark composure. The stadium erupted as the Argentine captain celebrated his 100th international goal – a landmark achievement that further cemented his legendary status.

Argentina continued to dominate possession and create chances, with Lautaro Martínez coming close on several occasions. Their second goal arrived just before halftime, a stunning curler from De Paul that left the Paraguay keeper with no chance. The midfielder’s goal was a testament to Argentina’s attacking prowess and the team's ability to find the back of the net from various positions on the pitch.

Paraguay, despite their efforts, struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Argentina's well-organized defense. Their lone goal came from a moment of individual brilliance, a stunning free-kick from Alejandro Romero Gamarra that beat Emiliano Martínez, momentarily reducing the deficit.

However, Argentina quickly responded. Within minutes of Paraguay's goal, a swift counter-attack saw substitute Julian Alvarez, who replaced a slightly fatigued Lautaro Martínez, score with a clinical finish. The final nail in the coffin came in the 85th minute when Messi, orchestrating another exceptional team move, assisted Nicolás Otamendi, who headed home powerfully to seal a commanding 4-1 victory.

Post-match, Scaloni praised his team’s performance, highlighting their collective effort and tactical discipline. "We controlled the game from start to finish," he stated. "The players executed the game plan perfectly, and it’s a testament to their hard work and dedication."

Meanwhile, Paraguay's coach expressed disappointment but acknowledged Argentina's superiority. "Argentina is a world-class team, and they showed why tonight," he conceded. "We need to learn from this defeat and focus on our upcoming matches."

The victory sends a resounding message to the rest of the CONMEBOL teams. Argentina, with their formidable attack and rock-solid defense, are clear favorites to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup. Their performance against Paraguay showcased not only individual brilliance but also the strength of their collective unit, making them a daunting prospect for any opponent. The road to the World Cup remains long, but Argentina’s dominant display against Paraguay has certainly set the tone for their qualifying campaign.