Fri Nov 15 14:39:49 IST 2024: ## Messi Frustrated as Argentina Loses in Paraguay, Brazil Held to Draw in Venezuela

**Asunción, Paraguay -** Lionel Messi and Argentina suffered a setback in their South American World Cup qualifying campaign, falling 2-1 to Paraguay on Thursday. Despite Argentina remaining top of the table with 22 points, the loss will serve as a wake-up call.

The match in Asunción saw a passionate Paraguayan crowd, banned from wearing Messi shirts, create a hostile atmosphere for the Argentine superstar. Although Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring for Argentina in the 11th minute, Paraguay responded with a bicycle kick goal from Antonio Sanabria shortly after. The hosts continued to press, with Omar Alderete’s header in the 47th minute securing the victory.

Meanwhile, Brazil was held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela, extending Vinicius Júnior’s goal drought to six qualifying matches. The Brazilian forward missed a penalty in the 67th minute, adding to his frustration. Raphinha had given Brazil the lead in the 43rd minute with a free kick, but Venezuela equalized almost immediately after halftime through Telasco Segovia.

In other qualifying action, Ecuador secured a comfortable 4-0 win over Bolivia thanks to goals from Enner Valencia, Gonzalo Plata (twice) and Alan Minda.

The 11th round of South American World Cup qualifying continues on Friday, with Colombia visiting Uruguay and Peru facing off against Chile.

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