Argentina player ratings vs Paraguay: Lionel Messi nearly invisible as La Albiceleste disappointingly fall in World Cup qualifying road match to La Albirroja
The Albiceleste captain was powerless to prevent his side dropping more points in World Cup qualifying
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Paraguay pulled off a stunning home victory over Lionel Messi’s Argentina on Thursday evening, defeating the Albiceleste 2-1 thanks to a second-half header from Omar Alderete.
Things started off well for the visitors, with Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez finding the back of the net just 11 minutes into the World Cup qualifier in Asuncion. Paraguay responded quickly, though, drawing level in the 19th minute off a genuinely stupendous overhead kick from Antonio Sanabria.
The two teams went in level at halftime but Argentina lost star defender Cristiano Romero to injury during the interval. He was replaced by Marseille’s Leonardo Balerdi, who made the mistake that led to Paraguay’s winner. Balerdi and centerback partner Nicolas Otamendi did not communicate in the box and a delightful in-swinging cross from Inter Miami teenage star Diego Gomez found Alderete, who headed home.
Argentina have now dropped points in three of their last four World Cup qualifiers. Despite the dip in form, they remain top of the South American standings, with 22 points, ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with Peru, while Paraguay have consolidated their hold on sixth spot with their shock win.
GOAL rates all of the Argentina players on show on a frustrating night for Lionel Scaloni’s side at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco…
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Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defense
Emiliano Martinez (6/10):
Could do nothing about either goal as his central defenders let him down. An unfortunate evening in net for the Aston Villa man.
Nahuel Molina (6/10):
Struggled to impress on both ends of the pitch. Not his most impressive performance, as he was tied up with Miguel Almiron.
Cristian Romero (6/10):
A classy showing, but he will not be happy with the overhead kick goal Argentina conceded. He lost his man and was out of position. Was removed at halftime with a reported injury to his right foot.
Nicolas Otamendi (6/10):
As usual, a veteran’s performance from the 36-year-old. However, the introduction of Balerdi in place of Romero obviously interrupted the flow of the back-line, and they both missed their mark on Paraguay’s second goal as a result.
Nicolas Tagliafico (6/10):
Paraguay’s attack kept him busy all night long, meaning he was rarely allowed to get into the attack.
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Getty Images SportMidfield
Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):
Underwhelming as the most forward-thinking midfielder. Subbed off midway through the second half.
Rodrigo De Paul (6/10):
Was a workhorse in the center of the park, bullying the Paraguayan opposition. Missed a golden 1v1 chance in the 69th minute, skying his attempt.
Enzo Fernandez (8/10):
Another assist for the Chelsea midfielder, who recorded his fifth in three games across all competitions for club and country. Controlled the tempo of the game and linked well at both ends of the pitch.
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Getty Images SportAttack
Julian Alvarez (7/10):
Really solid next to Martinez. Found space well and played off him to cause chaos for Paraguay’s defense.
Lautaro Martinez (8/10):
Took his goal very well, with a smart and composed finish off a perfectly-timed run. Was a threat all night, and arguably Argentina’s strongest performer.
Lionel Messi (5/10):
Tucked inside deeper than he normally would be, and struggled with the inverted role. He didn’t use width as much to stretch the game, and underwhelmed in the final third. Not a great performance by his standards.
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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Leonardo Balerdi (5/10):
Was brought in and instantly committed an error by losing Alderete on Paraguay’s second. Not ideal.
Garnacho (5/10):
Replaced Mac Allister, but never adapted to the pace of the match.
Gonzalo Montiel (N/A):
Brought on with 13 minutes to spare, had little impact.
Leandro Paredes (N/A):
Introduced late to control the midfield more. Did his job.
Valentin Castellanos (N/A):
Came on late, but had just two touches of the ball.
Lionel Scaloni (6/10):
Hard to say he did anything wrong, tactics-wise. Paraguay were just the better attacking team on the evening. Messi had an off night, and the hosts’ attacking quartet kept his fullbacks busy all evening, leaving them stranded on the counter. Scaloni and Argentina shouldn’t worry too much but this was a poor performance.
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