Messi Missing? Argentina Player Ratings Vs Paraguay

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Post on Nov 15, 2024

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Messi Missing? Argentina Player Ratings vs Paraguay

So, the big question everyone's buzzing about: how did Argentina fare against Paraguay without their GOAT, Leo Messi? Let's dive into the nitty-gritty, shall we? It wasn't a total disaster, but it wasn't exactly a walk in the park either.

A Tough Night Without the Maestro

Right off the bat, let's be real: Paraguay played a seriously defensive game. They parked the bus, as they say, making it super hard for Argentina to penetrate. The absence of Messi, that creative spark, was felt keenly. The team looked a bit lost at times, lacking that killer instinct.

Player Ratings: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. Rating players is always subjective, but here's my take, focusing on their performance against a stubborn Paraguayan defense:

The Stars (or, those who shone brightly)

• Emiliano Martínez (8.5/10): Albiceleste's number one was clutch, making some crucial saves to keep Argentina in the game. A solid performance when his team needed it most. He was seriously on fire!

• Alexis Mac Allister (8/10): He was everywhere, trying to dictate play. Showed some good flashes of brilliance, though he couldn't quite conjure up the magic Messi usually provides. Still, a solid contribution.

• Nicolás Otamendi (7.5/10): A rock at the back. His experience was invaluable in organizing the defense against Paraguay's relentless attacks. A true professional.

The Okay (those who did their job, but could've done better)

• Lautaro Martínez (6.5/10): He worked hard, but couldn't quite find the back of the net. A bit unlucky, perhaps, but he needs to be more clinical in front of goal. He's better than that.

• Ángel Di María (6/10): Faded in and out of the game. Showed glimpses of his usual magic, but lacked consistency. We expect more from El Fideo!

• Rodrigo De Paul (6/10): He battled hard in midfield, but couldn't quite impose his usual authority on the game. Maybe a bit tired?

The Strugglers (those who need to step it up)

• Giovani Lo Celso (5.5/10): Struggled to make an impact. He's usually more creative, so it was a disappointing performance.

• Julian Álvarez (5/10): He's usually so effective, but failed to find his rhythm this time. He needs to step up his game.

The Bottom Line: A Lesson Learned?

The absence of Messi highlighted Argentina's reliance on him. While they fought hard, the team needs to find a way to be more fluid and creative without their star player. It was a valuable lesson, even if it was a bit frustrating to watch. Hopefully, they’ll learn from this and come back stronger. They've got the talent; they just need to find the right formula. Vamo' Argentina!