Argentina continued their unbeaten start to World Cup qualifying with a 1-1 draw against Paraguay at La Bombonera on Thursday.
Angel Romero’s penalty gave Paraguay a first-half lead, but his opener was cancelled out by Nicolas Gonzalez’s header.
Lionel Scaloni’s men were forced to settle for a point and are unbeaten through three qualifiers to top the CONMEBOL standings with seven points, while Paraguay are also yet to taste defeat and have five points.
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After a bright start, Paraguay took a deserved 21st-minute lead through Romero’s penalty.
Miguel Almiron’s strong run at the Argentina defence saw the attacker brought down by Lucas Martinez, and Romero stepped up to place the spot-kick into the bottom corner.
Argentina started to enjoy more possession but struggled to create much of note before Gonzalez equalised prior to half-time thanks to his first international goal.
Gonzalez met a good corner from Giovani Lo Celso, who replaced the injured Exequiel Palacios during the first half, to head in at the near post and make it 1-1.
The equaliser gave Argentina a boost and Rodrigo De Paul’s long-range drive forced a save from Paraguay goalkeeper Antony Silva on the stroke of half-time.
Lautaro Martinez and Paraguay defender Gustavo Gomez squandered good chances shortly after half-time before Argentina thought they had the lead.
After a cutback from Lo Celso, Messi beat Silva despite a strong hand from the Paraguay goalkeeper, but the goal was ruled out for a foul in the build-up after a VAR check.
Messi went close in the 72nd minute, Silva tipping his free-kick onto the crossbar after Lo Celso was fouled as Argentina continued to push, but they were unable to find a winner.
