Lionel Messi Takes Argentina Leading Group A After Beating Paraguay 1-0

Lionel Messi brought Argentina to lead Group A after beating Paraguay 1-0. (Intermediate Photo)

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi led Argentina to secure three points in a 1-0 win over Paraguay in the 2021 Copa America Group A match at the Estadio Mane Garrincha on Tuesday morning WIB, according to the official FIFA website. Argentina was able to score a goal when the game only lasted for 10 minutes. This achievement brought Argentina to lead Group A of the Copa America.

A clever pass from Angel Di Maria freed Alejandro Gomez from the offside trap. The Sevilla player then poked the ball past the Paraguay goalkeeper. Antony Silva. Argentina lead 1-0.

In the 18th minute, Argentina had a chance to double the advantage through Lionel Messi's free kick in front of the Paraguay penalty box. However, the 33-year-old's kick was still narrowly wide on the left side of Silva's goal.

Argentina had scored again in the final minutes of the first half. Starting from the ball throwing up Di Maria's kick which was pushed aside by Silva, Leandro Paredes sent the ball to the left side.

Gomez stood there for a pass, but it hit Paraguay defender Junior Alonso into his own net.

However, this goal was later disallowed by the referee because the other Argentine players were already in an offside position when Di Maria opened fire. The 1-0 score for Argentina lasted until halftime, as reported by Antara.

After the break, Paraguay played more attacking to catch up. In the 61st minute, Paraguay managed to create a chance through Kaku's direct kick to the far post, unfortunately goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was still able to catch the ball.

Although more dominant in the second half, Paraguay was difficult to penetrate the Argentine defense that appeared disciplined. Eduardo Berizzo's squad lacked dangerous opportunities.

Meanwhile, Argentina lowered the tempo of their game in the second half. They had a chance in the 81st minute through Messi's long-range shot, but it still led right into Silva's arms.

Argentina was able to maintain a 1-0 advantage until the game ended. This victory brought Argentina to the top of the standings with seven points. Lionel Messi cs is two points ahead of Chile in second place. Meanwhile, Paraguay is ranked third with three points.