Xtra Time Web Desk: An early goal (10’) by Alejandro Dario Gomez saw Argentina beat Paraguay 1-0 in Copa America 2021 Group A clash at Brasilia on Monday night. The win saw Argentina guarantee a place in last eight stages. The Albiceleste are on top of Group A with seven points from three games. The game also saw Lionel Messi play a record 147th match for Argentina, equaling the mark of retired defender Javier Mascherano.
Coach Lionel Scaloni made as many as six changes. Defenders Germán Pezzella and Nicolás Tagliafico, midfielders Rodrigo de Paul and Leandro Paredes; and forwards Sergio Aguero and Ángel di Maria started. Nicolás Otamendi, Marcos Acuña, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Lautaro Martínez and Nico González were left out of the starting lineup.
The changes did not stop Argentina from starting strongly. Early in the game, Messi found Angel Di María on the right, and the veteran winger eluded the Paraguayan defense with an assist to Gómez. The striker lifted a shot over Paraguay goalkeeper Antony Silva.
Argentina forced Silva to make important saves in the first half but the energy of the team waned in the second half, as it has in several recent matches.
Argentina’s last group-stage match will be on Monday against Bolivia. Paraguay will take on Chile on Thursday. The top four in each five-team group will advance.