Messi and Argentina Fall 2-1 to Paraguay in World Cup Qualifier

Lionel Messi's eventful 2024 took another tough turn as Argentina fell to Paraguay 2-1 in a World Cup qualifying match. The reigning World Cup champions struggled to capitalize on their chances, leaving the iconic star without a goal in a pivotal game.
Paraguay’s Antonio Sanabria scored an impressive bicycle kick, while Omar Alderete delivered the decisive second-half goal, aided by Messi's Inter Miami teammate Diego Gomez. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring for Argentina in the 11th minute, but the team failed to add to their tally, leaving their efforts short.

Scaloni Eyes Redemption Against Peru

Messi’s final match of 2024 is set for Tuesday in Buenos Aires, where Argentina will host Peru in another qualifying game. Reflecting on the loss, coach Lionel Scaloni remarked, “Peru will pose a completely different challenge. We’ll prepare thoroughly and aim to give our fans something to celebrate.”

For only the third time in his illustrious career, Messi finds himself on the losing side in three consecutive games. This streak includes Argentina’s loss to Paraguay and Inter Miami’s two defeats against Atlanta United during the MLS Cup Playoffs, marking a disappointing end to his debut MLS season.
The last two instances of such a streak were in 2014 and 2016 during Messi’s time with Barcelona, underlining how rare such slumps are for the football legend.

Argentina’s Second Loss of the Year

Argentina’s defeat to Paraguay is their second in the last four games and the fifth in 69 matches since winning the World Cup. Here’s a look at their other losses during this period:
A 2-0 loss to Brazil in the 2019 Copa America semifinals.
A 2-1 upset by Saudi Arabia during the opening match of the 2022 World Cup.
A 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier in November 2023.
A 2-1 loss to Colombia in September 2023 when Messi was sidelined with an ankle injury.

Messi's Frustration on the Pitch