Lionel Messi and Argentina Left STUNNED By Paraguay in World Cup Qualifiers 2-1 Defeat

Paraguay shocked Argentina 2-1 at Estio Defensores del Chaco in a riveting FIFA World Cup qualifier. Lautaro Martínez started Argentina's score in 11th minute; n, in 19th minute, Paraguayan Antonio Sanabria equalised with an amazing bicycle kick. highlight came when Omar Alderete scored clinching goal just after half to help his side win. While Argentina remained at 22 points, Paraguay's tactical resilience guaranteed ir vital victory despite Argentina's superior possession and more shots, refore boosting ir ranking.

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Paraguay humbles World Cup and Copa America champions in a 2-1 defeat in qualifiers 

Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Vinicius Júnior h frustrating nights in South American World Cup qualifying.

While Messi could not help his team avoid a 2-1 defeat at Paraguay, Vinicius Junior missed a second-half penalty as Brazil was held to a 1-1 draw at Venezuela on Thursday.

Argentina will remain on top of 10-team round robin competition with a 22 points in 11 matches, Brazil is provisionally in third place in standings with 17 points.

Also on Thursday, Ecuor hosted Bolivia.

11th round of South American World Cup qualifying will continue on Friday with second-place Colombia visiting Uruguay and bottom two teams in standings, Peru and Chile, facing off in Lima.

Argentina played at Paraguay with hosts having banned local fans from wearing any Messi shirts in home crowd. TV footage of match in Asuncion showed that vast majority of local crowd was wearing Paraguay’s red and white colors, with no Messi shirts visible in local brocasts.

Messi h few opportunities to touch ball during first half, but saw Lautaro Martínez open scoring in 11th minute with a crossed shot. goal was allowed after a video review.

Paraguay scored equalizer with a bicycle kick by Antonio Sanabria in 19th minute, shortly after defender Gustavo Gómez hit bar with a heer.

hosts continued to apply pressure, and gave Argentine star some heavy marking. Messi showed he was upset with Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco for not sending off Paraguay’s Omar Alderete for his aggressive tackles.

It was Alderete who scored Paraguay’s winner with a heer in 47th minute, which puts Paraguay back in contention for a spot in next World Cup.

“We came to a hard place where national team always struggled,” said Martínez. “We have to correct a lot of things we did wrong in this match, but generally speaking we are playing well. We are still in le, and we have to look forward.”

(AP)