**Player Ratings: Argentina Vs Paraguay, Messi Dim**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 15, 2024

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Player Ratings: Argentina vs Paraguay, Messi Dim

Argentina secured a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Paraguay in their Copa America qualifier on Tuesday, but the performance was far from convincing. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the Albiceleste failed to find the back of the net, leaving Lionel Messi frustrated and the fans wanting more.

Here's a breakdown of the player ratings:

Argentina

Emiliano Martinez (7/10): Martinez was a rock in goal for Argentina, making several crucial saves to keep Paraguay at bay. He was confident and commanding throughout the match, keeping Argentina in the game.

Nahuel Molina (6/10): Molina was lively down the right flank, providing good width and overlapping runs. He was less effective in the final third, but his defensive work was solid.

Cristian Romero (7/10): Romero was a dominant presence in the Argentina defense. He was strong in the air, aggressive in tackles, and cleared danger effectively.

Nicolas Otamendi (6/10): Otamendi was a steady presence alongside Romero, but he wasn't as dominant as his partner. He made a few crucial clearances but lacked the same aggression.

Marcos Acuna (6/10): Acuna provided good support on the left side but struggled to get forward effectively. He was defensively solid but couldn't create much going forward.

Rodrigo De Paul (7/10): De Paul was Argentina's most creative player, dictating the tempo in midfield and finding space to deliver dangerous passes. He was instrumental in creating numerous chances but lacked a decisive final pass.

Leandro Paredes (6/10): Paredes was tidy in possession but didn't offer enough going forward. He lacked the energy and intensity to break down the Paraguayan defense.

Giovani Lo Celso (6/10): Lo Celso was a bit off the pace in the first half, but improved after the break. He offered good passing range and movement but couldn't unlock the Paraguay defense.

Lionel Messi (5/10): Messi was surprisingly subdued throughout the match. He was heavily marked by Paraguay, and while he created a few opportunities, he lacked his usual cutting edge. He looked frustrated and couldn't impose his will on the game.

Lautaro Martinez (6/10): Martinez worked tirelessly up front, but lacked the clinical touch in front of goal. He had a few good chances but couldn't convert.

Angel Di Maria (6/10): Di Maria came on as a substitute and added some pace and directness to the attack, but he couldn't make a significant impact.

Paraguay

Anthony Silva (8/10): Silva was the standout performer for Paraguay. He made several spectacular saves to deny Argentina and kept his team in the game.

Robert Rojas (7/10): Rojas was a solid presence in the Paraguayan defense, consistently winning tackles and making crucial interceptions. He was a rock at the back.

Gustavo Gomez (7/10): Gomez was dominant in the air and won numerous headers against the taller Argentina attackers. He was a crucial part of Paraguay's defensive solidity.

Omar Alderete (6/10): Alderete was solid in defense but lacked the same aggression and dynamism as his teammates. He was dependable but didn't stand out.

Santiago Arzamendia (6/10): Arzamendia was a steady presence at left-back, offering good defensive cover and timely interceptions. He was less effective going forward.

Richard Sanchez (6/10): Sanchez was a tireless worker in midfield, covering ground and tackling fiercely. He was less creative going forward but played an important role in shielding the defense.

Mathías Villasanti (6/10): Villasanti provided a solid presence in midfield, offering a strong defensive shield and making good tackles. He was less influential going forward.

Miguel Almirón (6/10): Almirón looked dangerous on the counter-attack, but he couldn't get a shot on goal. He was a threat with his speed and dribbling ability but lacked the final touch.

Alejandro Romero Gamarra (5/10): Gamarra was quiet throughout the match, offering little threat going forward. He was less effective in the final third and couldn't break down the Argentina defense.

Valentín Castellanos (5/10): Castellanos was isolated up front and struggled to get involved in the game. He lacked service and couldn't make a real impact.

Conclusion

Argentina dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge to break down a stubborn Paraguay defense. Messi was surprisingly subdued, and the team relied heavily on Martinez's saves to secure a draw. Paraguay, on the other hand, defended resolutely and frustrated the Argentines throughout the match. Silva's heroics in goal were the highlight of the night, and the team's defensive organization was commendable. This was a frustrating night for Argentina, but it serves as a reminder that even the best teams can struggle against a well-organized and disciplined opponent.