A stunning bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria and a second-half header from Omar Alderete gave Paraguay a well earned 2-1 home win over Argentina in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

World champions Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat to Paraguay while rivals Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at Venezuela as South America's big guns struggled in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Thursday.

Despite the loss, Argentina remain top of the standings on 22 points while Paraguay move into the 6th automatic qualification spot

Lionel Messis Argentina Fall to Paraguay in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, Brazil Held by Venezuela on Frustrating Thursday (November 14) for South American big guns.

Lionel Messi was captured in a heated confrontation with match officials during Argentina's unexpected 2-1 defeat to Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Paraguay shocked Argentina 2-1 at Estadio Defensores del Chaco in a riveting FIFA World Cup qualifier. Lautaro Martínez started Argentina's score in the 11th minute; then, in the 19th minute, Paraguayan Antonio Sanabria equalised with an amazing bicycle kick.

Lionel Messi's Argentina fell 2-1 to Paraguay in Matchday 11 of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at Defensores del Chaco stadium. Paraguay came back from Lautaro Martinez’s early goal to defeat Argentina 2-1 for Matchday 11 of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at Defensores del Chaco stadium.

Lionel Messi failed to show up in the attack, and Paraguay's stars rose to the occasion as Argentina fell in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.