Argentina Player Ratings: Paraguay Match, Messi Near Goal

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Post on Nov 16, 2024

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Argentina Player Ratings: Paraguay Match – Messi Near, But No Cigar

So, Argentina took on Paraguay, right? A pretty crucial World Cup qualifier, and let's just say it wasn't exactly a walk in the park. Messi was close, unbelievably close, to another banger, but ultimately, it was a frustratingly tight game. Let's dive into the player ratings, shall we? This was a match where individual brilliance almost, almost, stole the show.

Lionel Messi: 8.5/10

Okay, let's get this out of the way. Messi. The GOAT. He was everywhere. His movement was chef's kiss, creating chances out of thin air. That near-goal? Pure magic. He absolutely tormented the Paraguayan defense, leaving them dizzy and confused. While he didn't find the back of the net, his influence was undeniable. A true captain's performance. Seriously, what a player.

Julián Álvarez: 7.5/10

Álvarez had a solid game. He worked hard, pressing high, and caused plenty of problems. He wasn't as clinical as we've seen him be, missing a couple of decent chances. But his overall contribution was significant, offering a great supporting role to Messi. Could've had a goal, but hey, that's football.

Rodrigo De Paul: 7/10

De Paul, the engine room. He battled tirelessly in midfield, winning back possession and distributing the ball effectively. A bit sloppy at times, but his energy was infectious. He kept the team ticking over nicely, providing the glue that holds the midfield together. Always a key player.

Nicolás Otamendi: 7/10

Otamendi was his usual rock-solid self at the back. He dealt with Paraguay's attacks with aplomb, winning headers and making crucial tackles. A calming presence in a game that, let's be honest, was pretty tense at times. Experienced heads like his are worth their weight in gold.

Emiliano Martínez: 6.5/10

Martínez didn't have a whole lot to do, but when called upon, he was reliable. A few routine saves, nothing spectacular, but that's what you want from your keeper: consistency. Kept a clean sheet, and that's crucial in these high-stakes matches.

The Rest of the Squad: 6.5/10 (Average)

The rest of the squad put in a decent shift. There weren't any truly standout performances aside from the ones mentioned above, but they worked hard and played their part in securing the win. They were solid, if somewhat unspectacular.

Overall: A Grindy Win

The game was a bit of a slog. Paraguay defended resolutely, making it tough for Argentina to break them down. While a win is a win, and three points are massive, it wasn't pretty. But sometimes, in these crucial qualifiers, you just need the grit and determination to grind out a result. And that's exactly what Argentina did. They showed their mettle, and ultimately, that's what matters. The world knows Messi is a magician, but winning ugly is a skill, too. Next match, let's see another goal!