As South America’s top teams faltered in CONMEBOL World Cup qualification on Thursday, world champions Argentina lost 2-1 to Paraguay and rivals Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw against Venezuela. Lionel Scaloni’s club, who are also the current Copa America winners, got off to a strong start as Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan gave them the lead. Martinez drove in a low finish after Enzo Fernandez lofted a beautiful pass over the Paraguay defense, but the linesman’s flag interrupted his celebration.
However, a VAR review determined that Martinez had been just onside, overturning the on-field call and giving Argentina the lead in the eleventh minute.
However, that lead would only last eight minutes when the home team spectacularly tied the score.
Antonio Sanabria sprang into the air and delivered a magnificent bicycle kick past Emiliano Martinez as Gustavo Velazquez whipped in a cross.
Encouraged by the cheers of the Asuncion audience, Paraguay fought valiantly in the grueling conflict.
Omar Alderete scored the game-winning goal two minutes after the half, rising at the back post to head home a cross from Diego Gomez, a midfielder for Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi mostly neutralized Argentina’s attempts to create chances, though the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner did set up Valentin Castellanos for a cross, but the replacement was unable to keep his header down.
Argentina leads the rankings with 22 points despite the defeat, and Paraguay advances to sixth place for automatic qualifying.
Read More: Cristiano Ronaldo At Double As Portugal Reach Nations League Quarterfinals, Spain Win
