[ad_1]
Ángel Romero’s penalty gave Paraguay a lead in the first half, but their first goal was disallowed by a header from Nicolás González.
After falling behind, Argentina dominated and Lionel Messi had a goal disallowed in the second half after a VAR control.
Lionel Scaloni’s men were forced to settle for one point and are undefeated in three qualifiers to top the CONMEBOL standings with seven points, while Paraguay has yet to taste defeat and has five points.
After a brilliant start, Paraguay took a well-deserved lead in the 21st minute with a penalty from Romero.
Miguel Almirón’s strong run on the Argentine defense saw the attacker brought down by Lucas Martínez, and Romero stepped forward to place the penalty in the bottom corner.
Argentina began to enjoy more possession, but struggled to create a lot of note before González tied before the break thanks to his first international goal.
González found a good corner from Giovani Lo Celso, who replaced the injured Exequiel Palacios during the first half, to head down the near post and make it 1-1.
The tie gave Argentina a push and Rodrigo De Paul’s long-range shot forced a save by Paraguay goalkeeper Antony Silva at the edge of the break.
Lautaro Martínez and Paraguay defender Gustavo Gómez squandered good opportunities shortly after the break before Argentina thought they had the advantage.
After a cut from Lo Celso, Messi overtook Silva despite a strong hand from the Paraguay goalkeeper, but the goal was disallowed for a foul in preparation after a VAR control.
Messi came close in the 72nd minute, Silva flipping his free kick off the crossbar after Lo Celso was fouled as Argentina continued to press, but they couldn’t find a winner.
What does that mean? Argentina extends undefeated streak
Now undefeated in three qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup, Argentina also extended their overall streak to 10. They made a slow start in Buenos Aires but were dominant after falling behind and deserved all three points. Argentina was denied a third win in a row to start a qualifying campaign, something they have achieved only three times before.
Lo Celso provides spark
Palacios’ injury was unfortunate for Argentina, but the introduction of Lo Celso just before half an hour gave Scaloni’s team a boost. The Tottenham striker assisted González’s draw and mounted Messi’s disallowed goal, while being a constant threat.
Paraguay continues to bother Argentina
Since Argentina beat it 6-1 in the 2015 Copa América, Paraguay has gone four games unbeaten in the meetings between the countries. In qualifying for the World Cup, Paraguay won three and lost only two of their last eight meetings with Argentina.
Whats Next?
Argentina will travel to Lima to face Peru on Tuesday, while Paraguay will host Bolivia the same day.
