Paraguay recorded a stunning home victory over Lionel Messi’s Argentina on Thursday evening, beating the Albiceleste 2-1 thanks to a header in the second half by Omar Alderete.

Things started well for the visitors, with Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez finding the back of the net just 11 minutes into the World Cup qualifier in Asuncion. However, Paraguay responded quickly and leveled in the 19th minute after a truly astonishing bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria.

The two teams were level at half-time, but Argentina lost star defender Cristiano Romero to injury during the break. He was replaced by Marseille’s Leonardo Balerdi, who made the mistake that led to Paraguay’s winner. Balerdi and centre-back Nicolas Otamendi failed to communicate in the penalty area and a delightful inswinging cross from Inter Miami teenage star Diego Gomez found Alderete, who headed home.

Argentina have now dropped points in three of their last four World Cup qualifiers. Despite the dip in form, they remain top of the South American standings on 22 points ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with Peru, while Paraguay consolidated their position in sixth place with their shock win.

GOAL rates all the Argentine players featured on a frustrating night for Lionel Scaloni’s side at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco…