**Messi's History Against Paraguay: Stats**

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Post on Nov 15, 2024

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Messi's History Against Paraguay: Stats and Highlights

Lionel Messi, the Argentine maestro, has graced the pitch with his magic against numerous opponents throughout his illustrious career. Among those teams, Paraguay holds a special place, having witnessed some of Messi's most memorable performances. Let's delve into Messi's history against Paraguay, analyzing his stats and highlighting some of the key moments.

A Glimpse at the Numbers

Messi has faced Paraguay a total of 21 times, across international friendlies, World Cup Qualifiers, and Copa América tournaments. His record against the Albirroja is undeniably impressive:

• 11 wins
• 5 draws
• 5 losses
• 10 goals
• 7 assists

While these numbers reflect a strong overall performance, it's important to note that Messi has experienced both triumphs and frustrations against this South American rival.

Key Moments and Notable Performances

Copa América 2011 - A Moment of Magic:

During the 2011 Copa América, Messi showcased his brilliance in a quarter-final clash against Paraguay. In a thrilling match that went to penalties, Messi stepped up and slotted home the decisive kick, securing Argentina's passage to the semi-finals.

World Cup Qualifying 2017 - A Clutch Goal:

In a crucial World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in 2017, Messi proved his mettle once again. With the match locked at 1-1, Messi scored a spectacular free-kick in the 89th minute to secure a vital three points for Argentina. This goal was a testament to his composure under pressure and his ability to deliver when it matters most.

Copa América 2021 - Triumphant Return:

In the 2021 Copa América, Messi finally broke the curse of not winning a major international tournament with Argentina. Paraguay was a stumbling block in the group stage, holding Argentina to a 1-1 draw. However, Messi's overall performance throughout the tournament, including a crucial penalty in the final against Brazil, cemented his legacy as a true legend.

The Challenges and the Frustration

Despite his stellar record, Messi has encountered moments of frustration against Paraguay.

• 2019 Copa América - A Missed Opportunity:

In the 2019 Copa América, Argentina suffered a shock defeat to Paraguay in the quarter-finals. This result ended Argentina's hopes of winning the tournament and added to the growing pressure on Messi to deliver a major trophy for his country.

• Lack of Consistency:

While Messi has scored crucial goals against Paraguay, he hasn't consistently dominated the Albirroja in the same way he has against other opponents. This may be attributed to Paraguay's strong defensive structure and their ability to frustrate Messi with physical tactics.

Looking Ahead

The rivalry between Argentina and Paraguay continues to simmer. Messi, now in the twilight of his career, will be eager to maintain his dominance against the Albirroja. It will be fascinating to witness how he performs against this challenging opponent in the years to come.

In conclusion, Messi's history against Paraguay is a tale of triumph and frustration, featuring moments of magic and periods of difficulty. While he has undeniably left his mark on the rivalry, the future holds the potential for more memorable encounters between the Argentine maestro and the Albirroja.