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Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has refused to criticize his players after the 2-1 defeat to Paraguay on Thursday, November 14, in the South American World Cup Qualifiers. La Albiceleste took the lead through Lautaro Martinez, but the home side reigned supreme at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco, thanks to goals from Antonio Sanabria and Omar Alderete.
Argentina struggled to get a grip on the proceedings, with Paraguay keeping a close eye on Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was also infuriated with Alderete escaping a second yellow card despite a series of aggressive tackles.
Speaking after the game, Scaloni insisted that his team are already looking forward to the next game.
“I’m not here to criticize my players; I’m here to support them. We knew it was going to be a tough match. We’re here to move forward. In the first half, we played a good game, but the first action at the start of the second half made everything more difficult. We have to congratulate the opponent, who defended very well,” said Scaloni.
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He continued:
"I don’t know if they found the antidote. We’re hoping to get back on the positive path. The team always tries and stands tall. That’s what’s important: never giving up on the game and always having the desire to compete.”
Argentina remain at the top of the South American World Cup Qualifiers table after 11 games, with seven wins to their name. La Albiceleste next face Peru at El Bombonera on Tuesday, November 19, in their next 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
How many World Cups have Argentina won so far?
Argentina have won the FIFA World Cup three times so far and are also the defending champions going into the 2026 edition. Lionel Messi and Co. lifted the Holy Grail of Football in 2022.
La Albiceleste first won the FIFA World Cup in 1978. They defeated the Netherlands 3-1 in the final after extra time at Estadio Monumental. Mario Kempes finished as the tournament's top scorer with six goals and was adjudged the Player of the Tournament.
The South American nation next reigned supreme at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, thanks to the brilliance of Diego Maradona. He finished the campaign with five goals and was named the Player of the Tournament. 36 years later, Lionel Messi would live up to his legacy, guiding his nation to their third World Cup.
