Paraguay Holds Messi: Argentina Ratings

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Post on Nov 15, 2024

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Paraguay Holds Messi: Argentina Ratings Reflect a Frustrating Night in Asunción

Argentina's much-anticipated World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving Lionel Messi and company with a sense of unfulfilled potential and a drop in individual player ratings. The stifling Paraguayan defense, characterized by robust tackling and disciplined organization, effectively neutralized Argentina's attacking prowess, resulting in a performance that fell short of expectations.

While Messi remains a beacon of hope, his usual magic was largely absent against a well-drilled Paraguayan side. His rating, typically hovering in the high 7s or even 8s, plummeted to a more modest 6.5/10. While he still exhibited moments of brilliance, his incisive passes were often thwarted, and his shots lacked their customary venom. The lack of space and the constant attention from multiple defenders prevented him from making the decisive impact he’s accustomed to.

Other key players also experienced a dip in performance. Lautaro Martínez, often relied upon for goals, struggled to find space and received a rating of 6.0/10. His movement was often predictable, and his attempts on goal were easily dealt with by the Paraguayan goalkeeper.

Midfield maestro Rodrigo De Paul managed a slightly better rating of 6.8/10, displaying his usual work rate and tenacity, but his creative spark was noticeably dimmed. The lack of fluidity in Argentina's midfield hindered his ability to dictate play and create scoring opportunities.

In defense, Cristian Romero received a relatively higher rating of 7.2/10, showcasing his strength and composure amidst the Paraguayan onslaught. However, the overall defensive performance was not flawless, and they were tested throughout the game. The clean sheet, while positive, was more a testament to Paraguay's attacking limitations than Argentina's defensive brilliance.

The collective performance resulted in a low team rating of 6.5/10. This reflects the overall lack of incisiveness in attack, the struggles to break down a resolute defense, and a frustrating inability to convert chances.

The draw highlights the challenges Argentina faces in their World Cup qualifying campaign. While they remain top contenders, the game against Paraguay served as a stark reminder that even the best teams can be frustrated by disciplined and well-organized opponents. Argentina will need to find solutions to break down stubborn defenses if they are to maintain their strong position in the qualifying table. The team will undoubtedly need to analyze their performance and adapt their strategy for upcoming matches to ensure they don't fall victim to similar defensive tactics. The draw in Asunción was a valuable lesson learned, highlighting the need for greater creativity and efficiency in the final third.