"Scaloni isn't finding ways for Messi to be impactful" - Pundit gives verdict on Lionel Messi after Argentina's 1-2 loss to Paraguay in WC qualifier

ESPN pundit Kasey Keller reckons Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni struggled to get Lionel Messi into the game during their shock 1-2 loss to Paraguay. The two sides faced off in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier fixture at the Estadio ueno Defensores del Chaco on Thursday, November 14.

Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina the lead in the 11th minute with a powerful effort, following a VAR review. However, Paraguay stunned Lionel Messi and company with an extraordinary overhead kick eight minutes later to level the score. Omar Alderete scored in the 47th minute to ensure the hosts secured all three points over the 2024 Copa America Champions.

Lionel Messi struggled to get into the game as the No. 10 and failed to make an impact in the final third. Despite playing centrally behind Martinez and Julian Alvarez, the Argentine ace could not land a shot on target from three attempts.

Keller told ESPN:

"This is the first time since 2016 that Messi has lost 3 straight games for club and country. Paraguay was very physical with him on and off the ball. Argentina struggled to find Messi into the game, Scaloni isn't finding ways for Messi to be impactful. If you take Messi out of the game, your chances of winning are going to be greater and that's what they (Paraguay) did. Messi found it it difficult to find areas to operate"

After missing Argentina's first two World Cup qualifiers due to an ankle injury, Lionel Messi will be aiming to bounce back. The 37-year-old has netted six goals and provided two assists in eight appearances so far in the qualifiers.

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"We have to congratulate the opponent" - Argentina boss Scaloni gives verdict on Paraguay after Lionel Messi and company suffer shock loss

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has congratulated Paraguay for defending well following their 2-1 win against his side. However, the former refused to criticize his players; instead urging them to move forward as a unit.

Following the fixture, Scaloni said (via @AlbicelesteTalk):

“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.”

He added:

"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.”

Lionel Messi and company dominated possession with 77 percent of the ball compared to the hosts' 23 percent. They also landed nine shots with one effort being on target, while Paraguay mustered eight shots with two being on target. However, the Albiceleste were unable to pose much of a threat in their box.

Despite the loss, Argentina remain at the top of the CONMEBOL table with 22 points from 11 games, six points above sixth-placed Paraguay. They next face Peru on November 19.