Hey there, football fans! Whether you’re a die-hard supporter yelling at your TV or just someone who enjoys the thrill of a good match with some snacks on the side, there’s something magical about international football. Today, we’re diving into one of South America’s classic showdowns: the paraguay national football team vs argentina national football team lineups. Specifically, we’re talking lineups – those starting eleven players who set the tone for the game. Think of lineups as the opening act of a concert; they can make or break the whole show.
This rivalry isn’t just about fancy footwork or last-minute goals (though we’ll get to those). It’s a tale of underdogs versus superstars, gritty defense versus silky attacks, and neighbors who know how to push each other’s buttons on the pitch. Paraguay, with their red-and-white stripes and never-say-die spirit, often plays the role of the scrappy fighter. Argentina, in their sky-blue and white, brings the glamour – especially with legends like Lionel Messi lighting up the field.
In this easy-to-read article, we’ll chat about the history of these clashes, break down some key matches, spotlight the lineups that made (or broke) the day, and even peek at what the squads look like heading into 2025. I’ll keep it human – no jargon overload, just stories, stats, and a full table to make it all crystal clear. Grab a mate, a cuppa, and let’s kick off!
The Roots of the paraguay national football team vs argentina national football team lineups Rivalry: A Quick History Lesson
Picture this: It’s 1919, and football is still finding its feet in South America. Paraguay’s national team steps onto the international stage for their very first official match… against Argentina. Oof! They lost 5-1, but hey, every great story starts with a humbling moment. Fast-forward over a century, and these two have locked horns more than 100 times. Argentina holds the edge with around 60 wins, Paraguay has snagged about 16, and the rest? Tense draws that leave fans chewing their nails.
Why the fire? Geography helps – they’re neighbors sharing the Paraná River border. But it’s more than that. Paraguay’s football is built on resilience; they’ve punched above their weight in Copa Américas (winning in 1953 and 1979) despite a smaller population. Argentina? They’re the show ponies – three World Cup titles, including that epic 2022 win in Qatar, and 15 Copa América crowns. Matches between them often feel like a family barbecue gone wrong: lots of passion, a bit of arguing, and unforgettable moments.
In World Cup qualifiers, these games are gold. The CONMEBOL zone is brutal – 10 teams, round-robin style, top six to Qatar… wait, no, 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. As of late 2024, Argentina topped the table with 38 points from 15 games, while Paraguay sat sixth with 28. Every lineup choice feels like life or death because one slip can mean missing the big dance.
Iconic Matches: Where Lineups Made the Magic (or Mayhem)
Let’s rewind to some bangers. Football history is full of “what if” moments, and Paraguay vs. Argentina delivers plenty.
Take the 2001 World Cup qualifier in Asunción. Paraguay, chasing a World Cup spot, hosted Argentina. The lineup? Paraguay went defensive with José Luis Chilavert in goal (a keeper who could ping free-kicks like a midfielder), flanked by a rock-solid back four including Carlos Gamarra. Up front, they had Roque Santa Cruz, the young gun who later shone at Bayern Munich. Argentina countered with Juan Román Riquelme pulling strings and Gabriel Batistuta ready to poach goals.
It was 0-0 until Chilavert buried a 51st-minute penalty – the first by a keeper in qualifiers! Paraguay led 2-1, but Batistuta equalized late. Draw. That lineup’s grit earned Paraguay their first World Cup berth since 1986. Batistuta later called it “one of the toughest away days.”
Then there’s the 2010 World Cup quarterfinal in Johannesburg. Paraguay, under Gerardo Martino, lined up in a compact 4-4-2: Justo Villar in nets, Óscar Cardozo and Nelson Haedo Valdez up top for counter-punch power. Argentina? Diego Maradona’s men rolled out a star-studded 4-3-3 with Messi, Carlos Tevez, and Gonzalo Higuaín. It was attack vs. absorb – Paraguay won 1-0 on a 61st-minute Óscar Cardozo penalty after a Messi handball (irony!). That lineup – all heart, no flash – sent Paraguay to semis for the first time ever. Messi? He had 28 touches in the box but zero goals. Heartbreaker.
More recently, October 2023 in Buenos Aires. Argentina, post-World Cup high, started with Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez in goal, a midfield trio of Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister, and Messi feeding Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Paraguay? A 4-3-3 with Carlos Coronel guarding the net, Miguel Almirón buzzing on the wing, and Gustavo Gómez anchoring defense. Messi dazzled, but Paraguay held firm for a 1-0 loss. Lineup tweaks – like starting Almirón – showed their fight.
And who could forget November 2024? Paraguay stunned Argentina 2-1 at home. We’ll dissect those lineups next – pure drama!
These matches prove lineups aren’t random. Coaches pick formations like 4-4-2 for balance or 4-3-3 for flair, balancing stars with workers. Paraguay often goes pragmatic; Argentina, fluid and free-flowing.
Recent Lineups: The 2024 Shocker and Beyond
Nothing fires up a rivalry like an upset. On November 14, 2024, at Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Paraguay pulled off a 2-1 miracle against the world champs. Over 42,000 fans roared as Antonio Sanabria bicycle-kicked an equalizer (11th minute: Lautaro Martínez had put Argentina ahead), then Omar Alderete headed the winner early second half.
Paraguay’s lineup (4-2-3-1): Roberto Fernández in goal; defenders Gustavo Velázquez, Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, Junior Alonso; midfield anchors Andrés Cubas and Damián Bobadilla; attackers Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, Diego Gómez; lone striker Antonio Sanabria. It was compact, counter-focused – Almirón’s pace terrorized Nahuel Molina, and Enciso’s creativity unlocked spaces. Subs like Mathías Villasanti added steel.
Argentina’s 4-3-3? Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Álvarez. Star power everywhere – Messi created chances, but Paraguay’s press smothered them. Romero was subbed at half-time for Aymeric Laporte (injury cover), and Garnacho came on late, but it wasn’t enough. Possession? Argentina 77%, but shots on target? Paraguay edged it 5-4. A lineup masterclass in efficiency.
Heading into 2025, with qualifiers wrapping up, expect evolutions. Paraguay’s coach Gustavo Alfaro loves a 4-4-2 diamond for solidity. Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni? Fluid 4-3-3, but with injuries (like Lisandro Martínez’s hip issue), he mixes it up.
Full Table: Head-to-Head paraguay national football team vs argentina national football team lineups from Key Matches
To make this super easy, here’s a table of standout Paraguay vs. Argentina clashes. I’ve focused on lineups from famous games, formations, and key performers. It’s like a cheat sheet for your next pub debate!
| Date | Competition | Score (Paraguay – Argentina) | Paraguay Formation & Key Lineup Players | Argentina Formation & Key Lineup Players | Memorable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 14, 1919 | Friendly | 1-5 | 4-3-3: Unknown full squad; debutants like Manuel Fleitas Solich | 4-3-3: Américo Tesoriere (GK); forward line incl. Eliserdo Tongiorgi | Paraguay’s baptism of fire; first-ever international. |
| Oct 7, 2001 | WC Qualifier | 2-2 | 4-4-2: Chilavert (GK), Gamarra (DF), Santa Cruz (FW), Morínigo (FW) | 4-3-3: Cavallero (GK), Riquelme (MF), Batistuta (FW), Pochettino (DF) | Chilavert’s penalty – keeper scores! Paraguay qualifies. |
| Jul 3, 2010 | World Cup Quarterfinal | 1-0 | 4-4-2: Villar (GK), G. Gómez (DF), Cardozo (FW), Valdez (FW) | 4-3-3: Romero (GK), Messi (FW), Tevez (FW), Higuaín (FW), Di María (MF) | Cardozo’s pen after Messi’s handball; semis glory! |
| Oct 12, 2023 | WC Qualifier | 0-1 | 4-3-3: Coronel (GK), Rojas (DF), Balbuena (DF), Almirón (MF), Avalos (FW), Sosa (FW) | 4-3-3: E. Martínez (GK), Otamendi (DF), De Paul (MF), Messi (FW), Álvarez (FW), L. Martínez (FW) | Messi’s assist for Otamendi winner; Argentina unbeaten run. |
| Nov 14, 2024 | WC Qualifier | 2-1 | 4-2-3-1: R. Fernández (GK), G. Velázquez (DF), G. Gómez (DF), Alderete (DF), Cubas (MF), Almirón (MF), Enciso (MF), Sanabria (FW) | 4-3-3: E. Martínez (GK), Molina (DF), Romero (DF), Tagliafico (DF), De Paul (MF), E. Fernández (MF), Mac Allister (MF), Messi (FW), L. Martínez (FW), Álvarez (FW) | Sanabria’s bike kick equalizer; Alderete header stuns Messi & co. |
This table highlights how lineups evolve – Paraguay’s defenses get tougher, Argentina’s attacks deadlier. Stats-wise, in these five: Paraguay 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss. Goals: 6-9 aggregate. Draws? Always tense!
Spotlight on Paraguay’s Current Squad: The Heartbeat Heroes
Paraguay’s team in 2025? A blend of experience and youth, coached by Gustavo Alfaro since 2024. They’re sixth in qualifiers, dreaming of a third World Cup in 2026. Core players:
- Goalkeeper: Roberto Fernández (América-MEX) – 30, steady as a rock. Saved penalties in 2024 qualifiers.
- Defenders: Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras-BRA, captain) – 32, leader at the back. Omar Alderete (Getafe-ESP) – 28, aerial beast from that 2024 header.
- Midfield: Andrés Cubas (Augusta-USA) – 30, engine room boss. Miguel Almirón (Newcastle-ENG)** – 30, 100+ caps, dribbles like a wizard. Julio Enciso (Brighton-ENG)** – 21, the future star with tricks galore.
- Forwards: Antonio Sanabria (Torino-ITA) – 29, that bike-kick king. Diego Gómez (Inter Miami-USA)** – 22, Messi’s MLS teammate, adds speed.
Full squad depth: 26 players, average age 27. Market value? Around €150m. They’re not flashy, but their 4-4-2 setup frustrates giants. Fun fact: Almirón’s 10 international goals make him a fan favorite – think of him as Paraguay’s mini-Messi, but with more hustle.
Argentina’s 2025 Stars: The World-Beaters
Argentina? World Cup holders, Copa América kings (back-to-back 2021/2024). Lionel Scaloni’s men lead qualifiers with 38 points. Squad’s a dream – average age 28, value €1.2 billion!
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa-ENG) – 32, “Dibu” the penalty slayer. World Cup hero.
- Defenders: Cristian Romero (Tottenham-ENG) – 27, “Cuti” the tackler. Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica-POR)** – 37, veteran glue.
- Midfield: Rodrigo De Paul (Atlético Madrid-ESP) – 30, tireless runner. Enzo Fernández (Chelsea-ENG)** – 24, silky passer. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool-ENG)** – 26, set-piece wizard.
- Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami-USA) – 38, GOAT with 112 goals in 193 caps. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan-ITA)** – 27, 30+ goals. Julián Álvarez (Manchester City-ENG)** – 25, super-sub supreme.
Depth? Endless – Garnacho (Man Utd), Di María (retiring legend). Their 4-3-3 flows like tango: Messi creates, forwards finish. But vulnerabilities? Away form dipped in 2024; that Paraguay loss stung.
What Lineups Tell Us About the Future
Lineups are coaches’ love letters to strategy. For Paraguay, it’s about collective grit – packing midfield to neuter Messi’s magic. Argentina? Unleash the beasts, but balance with workhorses like De Paul. In 2025, as qualifiers end (next window March), expect Paraguay to tinker with youth like Enciso for flair. Argentina might rest Messi for Peru, rotating Álvarez central.
Predictions? If they meet again, Paraguay’s home edge (unbeaten in five 2024 homes) could force a draw. But Argentina’s depth wins wars. Either way, lineups will spark debates: “Why no Villasanti start?” or “Garnacho over Di María?”
Wrapping It Up: Why This paraguay national football team vs argentina national football team lineups Rivalry Kicks On
From 1919’s drubbing to 2024’s upset, paraguay national football team vs argentina national football team lineups weave a story of evolution, heart, and headlines. Paraguay teaches us football’s about more than talent – it’s teamwork triumphing. Argentina reminds us genius elevates the game.
