“How is he a professional player?”, “Will never prove himself” - Fans angry with Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammate after 2-1 loss to Paraguay

Argentina fans have slammed Alejandro Garnacho on social media after Lionel Messi's team suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Paraguay on Thursday, November 14. The two sides locked horns at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

La Albiceleste took the lead in the 11th minute through Lautaro Martinez. However, the home side leveled the score after just eight minutes, thanks to a tremendous bicycle kick by Antonio Sanabria.

Paraguay took the lead two minutes after the break through Omar Alderete's header. Lionel Messi failed to inspire a comeback, but fans were particularly miffed by Alejandro Garnacho's performance.

The Manchester United forward was introduced into the game in the 64th minute, but couldn't have an impact. Fans took to X to vent their frustration after the defeat.

One insisted that Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni should never call Garnacho to the national team again, writing:

"Scaling needs to stop starting Lautaro and Alvarez together, Garnacho should never be called up, he’s not good enough."

Another added:

"how is garnacho a professional player?"

Another slammed Scaloni for using Garnacho but not calling up Paulo Dybala to the national team, commenting:

"I don’t understand why Scaloni gives Garnacho minutes like this when he gets hooked every time he plays, Dybala plays well and proceeds to not get a call up. Make me understand."

One fan insisted that La Albiceleste need to bring in other wingers, stating:

"Need wingers, garnacho hall of shame."

Another posted:

"when he came in i knew it was over."

One fan insisted that Alejandro Garnacho will never live up to the hype, adding:

"Garnacho will never prove himself. Terrible player."

Another wrote:

"I am better than Garnacho."

One fan labeled the player useless, commenting:

"Garnacho is useless."

Argentina next face Peru on Tuesday, November 19, at La Bombonera.

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How many goals has Lionel Messi scored for Argentina in World Cup qualifiers?

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has scored 112 goals from 190 appearances for Argentina in his career. Of these, 34 have been scored in 68 World Cup qualifiers.

The 37-year-old has already won the World Cup with La Albiceleste in 2022. La Pulga also guided his nation to the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, where he came up second-best against Germany.

Lionel Messi's first appearance in the FIFA World Cup came in the 2006 edition. He became the youngest-ever goalscorer for Argentina in the World Cup that year.