Fri Nov 15 09:39:57 IST 2024: ## Paraguay Stuns Argentina in World Cup Qualifiers, Messi Held Quiet

**Asunción, Paraguay:** In a shocking upset, Paraguay defeated reigning World Cup champions Argentina 2-1 in the South American FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday. Despite an early goal from Lautaro Martinez, Paraguay rallied back with stunning goals from Antonio Sanabria and Omar Alderete, securing a crucial victory in front of a boisterous home crowd.

Argentina’s star forward Lionel Messi struggled to impact the match, facing heavy marking from the Paraguayan defense. He was visibly frustrated with Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco’s officiating, particularly after a series of aggressive tackles by Alderete went unpunished.

The match was also notable for the absence of Messi jerseys in the stadium, as Paraguay had banned them before the match.

Sanabria’s equalizing goal in the 19th minute was a thing of beauty, a stunning bicycle kick that beat Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The winning goal came just two minutes after the break, when Alderete headed in a free kick awarded after a foul on Julio Enciso.

Despite the loss, Argentina remains atop the South American Qualifiers table with 22 points from 11 matches. Paraguay moves into sixth place with 16 points, tied with Uruguay and Ecuador. The top six teams from the South American Qualifiers will automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina will next face Peru on Tuesday, while Paraguay takes on Bolivia in their final qualifiers of the November FIFA window.

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