**Argentina Player Ratings: Paraguay Holds Messi**

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Post on Nov 15, 2024

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Argentina Player Ratings: Paraguay Holds Messi

Let's be honest, folks. Going into the Argentina vs. Paraguay match, we all expected a Messi masterclass, right? A goal fest? A complete dismantling of the opposition? Well, someone forgot to tell Paraguay. They put up a heck of a fight, and Messi, while still brilliant, was noticeably less dominant than we're used to seeing. This game was a real nail-biter, and the final score didn't reflect how close it really was. So, let's dive into the player ratings and see who shone and who… well, didn't quite sparkle.

Lionel Messi: 7/10

Okay, I know, I know. A 7/10 for Messi seems like sacrilege. But hear me out. He wasn't bad, not by a long shot. He created chances, his passing was as crisp as ever, and his overall influence was felt throughout the match. However, he was kept relatively quiet by Paraguay's tenacious defense. He didn't bag a goal, which is unusual for the GOAT. It wasn't his best performance, but still, a solid showing from the legend himself.

Julián Álvarez: 8/10

Álvarez was arguably Argentina's best player on the night. He was a constant menace to the Paraguayan defense, causing havoc with his speed and close control. His tireless pressing was crucial in disrupting Paraguay's build-up play. While he didn't find the back of the net either, his overall contribution was phenomenal. A real bright spark.

Ángel Di María: 6/10

Di María, while showing glimpses of his usual magic, struggled to have the same impact as Álvarez. He was a little less effective than his usual self. He's a player who relies heavily on space, and Paraguay's defense did a good job of limiting his opportunities. A decent game, but not one that'll be remembered for long.

Rodrigo De Paul: 7/10

De Paul, as always, was the engine in midfield. His work rate was outstanding, covering plenty of ground and winning back possession. He was instrumental in maintaining Argentina's control. His tackling and distribution were key to their efforts. A consistent performer, even on an off-night for the team.

The Defense: 6.5/10

As a unit, the Argentine defense performed admirably. They were solid, organized, and managed to keep Paraguay at bay for most of the match. There were a few nervy moments, sure, but nothing catastrophic. A collective effort that kept Argentina in the game.

Overall Team Performance: 7/10

Paraguay, seriously, gave Argentina a run for their money. It was a tough match, a real grind-it-out affair. Argentina dominated possession, but creating clear-cut chances proved challenging. The team's performance was a tad underwhelming; the win was deserved, but it wasn't pretty. Not the free-flowing football we are used to seeing from Argentina. They’ll need to improve for their next match.

Conclusion: Paraguay's Gritty Defense

Ultimately, this game highlighted Paraguay's resilience and Argentina's need to be more clinical in front of goal. While Messi was kept relatively quiet, it was a team effort from Paraguay, showing that even the best can be frustrated. A decent performance from Argentina, but one that leaves room for improvement. They’ll need to sharpen things up if they want to continue their winning streak. The road to glory is never easy, eh?