Argentina (National Football)

Argentina and Barcelona star Lionel Messi received a $1,500 fine and will be suspended for one match for his sending-off in the third-place game of the 2019 Copa America, according to Argentine football journalist Sam Kelly.

Messi received a red card in the 37th minute after a brief incident with Gary Medel:

DOUBLE RED CARD 🔴 🔴

Lionel Messi and Gary Medel are both sent off after an altercation! pic.twitter.com/BiuPwE9iVX

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 6, 2019

Kelly specified the fine and suspension are tied to the red card, with further punishment to possibly come for comments Messi made alleging officials were conspiring to help host Brazil win the tournament.

"There is no doubt, the whole thing is set up for Brazil," he said, per Goal's Daniel Edwards. "... I did not want to be part of this corruption; we shouldn't have to be part of this disrespect we suffered during the Copa America.

"We could have gone further, but we weren't allowed into the final. Corruption, referees and all the rest stopped people from enjoying the football."

Argentina played Brazil in the semifinals and lost 2-0. Following the defeat, Messi said La Albiceleste should've had two penalty kicks for fouls on Nicolas Otamendi and Sergio Aguero and questioned why the match referee didn't use video review.

A one-match ban for international play isn't a surprising outcome for Messi's red card, and a $1,500 fine qualifies as even less than a slap on the wrist. In June, Forbes listed Messi as the world's highest-paid athlete, calculating he had $127 million in total earnings in the last year.

Should it make a ruling regarding his post-match comments, CONMEBOL might come down a bit harder on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner for questioning the legitimacy of this year's Copa America.

Roddy Zambrano, the referee who took charge of the Copa America semi-final between Brazil and Argentina, has said he was "surprised" to receive criticism from Lionel Messi after the game. 

Messi has scrutinised the performances of the match officials in the tournament and referenced two penalties he feels the Albiceleste should have received against Brazil in their 2-0 semi-final loss. The Barcelona man was then sent off in the 2-1 win over Chile in the third-place fixture.

In one incident in the semi-final, Sergio Aguero seemed to be fouled off the ball by Dani Alves, while in another Arthur checked Nicolas Otamendi's run in the penalty area. Speaking to Super K-800 (h/t Sean Wilson of Goal), Zambrano explained why he made the calls and his reaction to some criticism from the Argentina star:

"It's not a nudge [from Arthur on Otamendi], the VAR checked and determined that it was 50-50. They did not consider it to be a clear penalty. On the first play it is clear that Aguero steps in. It's almost a reckless foul on the defender. I never lost contact with the VAR, that is totally false.

...

"[Messi] is dedicated to playing, and I never had problems with him, the truth is that I was surprised by his statements after the match, but everyone has their opinion.

"When the Argentina players said I was nervous, they were referring to the fact that I was annoyed because I am always serious when I referee."

As football writer Roy Nemer relayed, Messi didn't hold back in his assessment of the refereeing at the Copa, which was eventually won by Brazil:

Lionel Messi just going against all of CONMEBOL with his comments. To come out and say what he just said takes balls because he just flat out called them out on a lot. There's bad officiating and then there is the corruption that exists within CONMEBOL. This is huge.

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) July 6, 2019

Lionel Messi also hinting that his red card was payback for what he said following the game against Brazil.

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) July 6, 2019

In the game against Chile, Messi was given his marching orders along with Chile defender Gary Medel. The Barcelona star appeared a little hard done by with his dismissal, as Medel was the aggressor in the exchange between the pair.

As OptaJavier noted, red cards have been a rarity for the Barcelona forward:

2 - Lionel Messi has been sent off for the second time in his professional career, after getting a red card in his senior debut for Argentina 🇦🇷 in a friendly against Hungary, in 2005 (he has never been sent off playing for @FCBarcelona). Rare.#CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/H0dfJ5JeyY

— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) July 6, 2019

While there will no doubt be a number of Argentina supporters who will agree with Messi's assessment of the officiating, Brazil's Thiago Silva hit back at the claims of "corruption" from the forward:

Wednesday: Lionel Messi accuses referees of "corruption" at the Copa America

Sunday: Thiago Silva hits back 😤 pic.twitter.com/8apixMYO6e

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 8, 2019

Overall, the tournament was one to forget for Messi, as he struggled to make the kind of impact we've become so accustomed to down the years.

He only scored one goal in his six Copa appearances, a penalty in the 1-1 draw against Paraguay in the group stages of the competition. At the end of a long campaign with Barcelona, which ended with La Liga success but UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey disappointment, there were some uncharacteristic signs of tiredness from the 32-year-old.

Barcelona supporters will be hopeful he can rest up ahead of the new domestic campaign. Per James Whaling of the Daily Mirror, in line with guidelines from South American governing body CONMEBOL, Messi could face a two-year ban from international football after calling the referees' integrity into question.

Lionel Messi was sent off, but Argentina still finished third in the 2019 Copa America after beating Chile 2-1 in the third-place playoff on Saturday.

Sergio Aguero and Paulo Dybala put La Albiceleste 2-0 up after just 22 minutes at the Corinthians Arena before Messi and Chile enforcer Gary Medel were both shown the red card after a heated exchange eight minutes before halftime.

Lionel Messi and Gary Medel both just got sent off after this clash at the #CopaAmerica 3rd place match 👀

🎥 @TelemundoSports #CA2019Telemnundo pic.twitter.com/YwGrAKgSIR

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 6, 2019

An Arturo Vidal penalty just before the hour mark gave Chile hope, but the holders couldn't find an equaliser and ended a disappointing title defence with a second straight defeat after losing 3-0 to Peru in the semi-final.

Aguero went clear after just 12 minutes and expertly rounded Chile goalkeeper Gabriel Arias before tucking away the goal coolly. The Manchester City ace has been one of the few players who has delivered for his country:

Sergio Aguero for Argentina:

Games - 95
Goals - 40

Lethal finisher 🔥#CopaAmerica #ARGCHI pic.twitter.com/IxeHq26Lxc

— bwin (@bwin) July 6, 2019

Argentina don't always produce the goods, but Aguero and Co. were clicking during this opening 45 minutes. The passing was neat, quick and intuitive, while the movement off the ball had variety and timing Chile couldn't cope with.

Yet another slick move saw Real Betis schemer Giovani Lo Celso slide in Dybala, and like Aguero, the Juventus man didn't waste his chance.

La Albiceleste were coasting until Messi saw red, albeit in controversial circumstances:

Messi and Medel both chase the ball. Medel bumps into Messi a few times, a yellow card at most as Messi stands his ground. Referee gives both men a straight red card.

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) July 6, 2019

Now, what is the point of the techno-nerds if they can't correct an outrage like that Messi red card?

— Tim Vickery (@Tim_Vickery) July 6, 2019

Even with Argentina's star player off the pitch, Chile needed some good fortune to get back into the game. It came when Lo Celso was adjudged to have given away a spot-kick in the 59th minute.

A check from the video assistant referee was needed to confirm the decision, but Vidal wasn't rattled and continued his prolific run at international level:

Arturo Vidal has now scored 27 goals for Chile.

What a record from midfield 🔥#CopaAmerica #ARGCHI #CHI pic.twitter.com/kSQKKz05tv

— bwin (@bwin) July 6, 2019

Chile couldn't muster a further response thanks largely to a sluggish cameo from attacking talisman Alexis Sanchez. The misfiring Manchester United forward never got behind the Argentina defence, nor did he combine consistently with Vidal and Eduardo Vargas before leaving the pitch after 15 minutes with a suspected muscular problem, per Goal.

With Sanchez off the pitch, La Roja lacked the inspiration in final third, and Argentina were able to hold a slender lead without too many scares. City centre-back Nicolas Otamendi and Paris Saint-Germain holding player Leandro Paredes were the standouts in defence for a squad good enough to win the tournament but still short of inspiration at key moments.

The reliance on Messi will have to be reduced if La Albiceleste are going to make good at this level. By contrast, Chile have learned they don't have the supporting cast to compensate for talisman Sanchez being below par.

   

What's Next?

The two teams will meet in a rematch for an international friendly at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on September 5.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi slammed the refereeing at the Copa America after his side lost 2-0 to Brazil in the semi-finals on Tuesday, but he suggested he'll continue playing for the national team. 

Referee Roddy Zambrano missed what appeared to be two clear penalties for La Albiceleste and did not consult the video assistant referee.

Per ESPN, Messi said:

"[The officials] were tired of making bulls--t calls at this Copa, and they didn't go to VAR. It was unbelievable.

"It was like that all match. It was bulls--t that they were doing it all match. There is no excuse, it must be looked into. Hopefully, CONMEBOL does something about these kind of referees.

"Because we did everything to try and advance but [the officials] stacked the deck against us. I don't believe they will do anything because Brazil controls everything, so it is very complicated. But I don't think we should feel bad for anything. It didn't happen and we had bad luck."

Gabriel Jesus gave Brazil the lead after 19 minutes when he rifled home Roberto Firmino's pass from close range, and Jesus turned provider for Firmino after leading a counter-attack in the 71st minute.

However, Dani Alves bowled over Sergio Aguero in the penalty area in an off-the-ball incident that was missed by the officials, while Nicolas Otamendi appeared to be fouled by Arthur during an Argentina corner.

Football commentator Juan G. Arango was highly critical of Zambrano's officiating:

Again, this is the problem with VAR... the refs. Roddy Zambrano has been atrocious. From the penalties not called to not sending off Scaloni, he has been horrid.

— Juan Arango (@JuanG_Arango) July 3, 2019

Football writer Peter Coates felt Argentina were unlucky with some of the decisions that went against them but doubted they would have won the Copa even if they had progressed:

Agüero and Messi both hitting the woodwork and a certain penalty not even being reviewed by the ref will provide the excuses but in truth it was never a Copa América winning team

— GOLAZO (@golazoargentino) July 3, 2019

Argentina had rarely convinced throughout the tournament, and overall they were outperformed by a superior side in the Selecao, but they can rightly feel aggrieved.

After La Albiceleste's defeat to Chile in the 2016 final—their third major final defeat in as many years after losing to Chile in the 2015 Copa final and Germany the year before at the FIFA World Cup—Messi announced his retirement from international football only to reverse his decision soon after.

The 32-year-old suggested he'll remain with the team to lead them at the Copa America again next year, which Argentina will host alongside Colombia.

He said:

"Something new is on the horizon.

"I hope we are respected and not criticised. They should let the team be and let them grow.

"The truth is I have got on very well with this group of players,and if I have to help in some way I will. This is a great group which is growing, and if I can join them I will."

Goal's Dan Edwards is convinced Messi will stick around:

Judging by Messi's raging post-match interview I don't think there should be any doubt that he'll be carrying on with Argentina post-Copa America.

— Daniel Edwards 💚 (@DanEdwardsGoal) July 3, 2019

Messi will turn 33 during that tournament, so it could be his last chance to win a major honour with Argentina unless he carries on playing for the side until the 2022 World Cup.

Although the side could benefit from some stability, manager Lionel Scaloni has done little to justify staying on for next year's Copa.

Whomever is in charge over the next 12 months will need to focus their efforts on organising their vulnerable defence and finding a way to get the best out of Messi and their other attacking stars.

If they are able to address those shortcomings, Argentina's prospects at the Copa will improve considerably.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said his players want to win the Copa America for Lionel Messi, and he confirmed Sergio Aguero will start Tuesday's semi-final against Brazil. 

Per ESPN FC, Scaloni said:

"The players love Messi so much that sometimes they say they want to win the tournament just for him. The best player in football's history is lacking a trophy with Argentina, but we all want to win, not just him.

"We are used to seeing him score three goals in every game and dribble past five players, but we are asking him to do something different, and we are more than happy with the job he is doing.

"He has embraced the workload, he is our flag-bearer."

Ahead of the tournament, Aguero said he was desperate to help deliver international success for his team-mate:

Aguero will do everything he can to help Messi win 🥇 pic.twitter.com/B2YhXXhS4w

— GOAL (@goal) June 7, 2019

Messi's only honour with Argentina is a gold medal from the 2008 Olympics. The Barcelona star helped La Albiceleste reach the 2014 FIFA World Cup final and Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016, but his side lost on each occasion.

Although many already consider him to be the best player of all time, for some, the forward's lack of international silverware hinders his claim to that title.

Pele and Diego Maradona each won the World Cup—three times, in the former's case—while Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal won the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in June.

Amid speculation Aguero might not start alongside Messi against the Selecao, Scaloni added: "Aguero will play. I said it because I read I was in doubt. Let me leave that clear."

He also joked: "The rest you will know tomorrow. Not even Messi is confirmed."

Aguero hit a milestone for his country with his goal in Argentina's 2-0 win over Qatar in their final group match:

Sergio Aguero is the third Argentina international to score 4️⃣0️⃣ goals for his country. 🇦🇷

6️⃣8️⃣ Lionel Messi
5️⃣4️⃣ Gabriel Batistuta
4️⃣0️⃣ Sergio Aguero
3️⃣5️⃣ Hernan Crespo
3️⃣4️⃣ Diego Maradona pic.twitter.com/tHGp3jYKKf

— GOAL (@goal) June 24, 2019

Argentinian football expert Roy Nemer believes he and Lautaro Martinez make an effective strike partnership:

Sergio Aguero and Lautaro Martinez starting together works. The team looks like they can score when both are out there and it just works. Rodrigo De Paul is a must in this Argentina starting line-up too. Pressures a lot, good dribbler, passes well and works a lot for the squad.

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) June 23, 2019

Martinez also found the net against Qatar and again in the quarter-final as La Albiceleste beat Venezuela 2-0, taking his tally to six goals in 10 appearances for his country.

Argentina are much stronger going forward than they are defensively, so they'll be looking to Aguero, Martinez and Messi to make the difference for them against Brazil.

Lionel Messi doesn't think he's performed to his best at the 2019 Copa America despite Argentina progressing to the semi-finals.

The Albiceleste set up a mouthwatering showdown with Brazil in the last four after they beat Venezuela 2-0 on Friday. Goals from Lautaro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso were enough to inspire Argentina to victory.

Messi's only goal of the competition so far came in the 1-1 draw with Paraguay in the group stages when he netted from the penalty spot.

Speaking after Argentina's latest win, the Barcelona man said his all-round performances have not been up to his usual high standards, per Dejan Kalinic of Goal:

"The truth is that it's not been my best Copa America, not what I expected. There are matches that occur in this way. You cannot play a lot, it's complicated for those of us who want to do something different, to avoid rivals. The important thing is that we won and we continue."

Lionel Messi and Argentina are two wins away from realising their #CopaAmerica dream 💭 pic.twitter.com/oyJwVB5kRF

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 28, 2019

Here are the highlights from Argentina's win on Friday:

🔥 Lautaro Martinez opens the scoring for Argentina

TEKKERS 😍#CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/BSPnSmiNmx

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) June 28, 2019

🇦🇷 Giovani Lo Celso fires Argentina into a 2 goal lead after Agüero's shot is saved!

👀 Argentina have a semi final versus Brazil in sight#CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/J22Dqs1DBL

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) June 28, 2019

In recent years, Argentina have been dependent on Messi, as the team has been fractured and dysfunctional around the iconic forward. At this competition, some other members of the team have finally stepped up.

Football journalist Andy West noted that this pattern is a big deviation from the norm for the South American giants:

Lionel Messi played badly but Argentina played well. The world is turning upside down.

— Andy West (@andywest01) June 28, 2019

Martinez has looked a natural on the international stage, with the Inter Milan man's opening goal in the win over Venezuela showing he has a knack for the spectacular.

Per Argentina football journalist Peter Coates, the youngster has outshone some big names for his country:

When you want to talk about making the most of opportunities...

Lautaro Martínez - 6 goals in 10 appearances

Mauro Icardi - 1 goal in 8 apps

Paulo Dybala - 1 goal in 21 apps pic.twitter.com/jy1IkYQQXK

— GOLAZO (@golazoargentino) June 28, 2019

After picking up just one point from their first two games in the competition, there were some early fears that Argentina wouldn't make it beyond the group stages of the 2019 Copa.

They were able to dig in against Qatar in their final group match and pick up a 2-0 win to finish behind Colombia in Group B. While they were far from perfect against Venezuela, it was another step forward in terms of performance for Lionel Scaloni's side.

However, to get pasts hosts and favourites Brazil, they will need to go up another gear, and Argentina fans will hope Messi can provide that next level.

Rafael Hernandez of Barcelona fansite Grup14 thinks this has been the Blaugrana star's most disappointing international tournament:

Agree, this Copa América is the worst tournament Messi’s had in terms of performance for Argentina so far. https://t.co/ggLlkUo1bg

— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) June 28, 2019

Messi will be determined to excel against Brazil, though. Three times Argentina have made it to major finals during his time in the team and on each occasion they've come up short. For all he's achieved with Barcelona, accomplishing something with his country would mean so much for the 32-year-old.

The Selecao will be expected to advance despite their inconsistent form at the competition so far. However, if an improved Argentina side can be boosted by a galvanised Messi, Brazil need to be wary.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said his side are feeling confident ahead of their Copa America quarter-final showdown with Venezuela on Friday after they beat Qatar in their last match. 

La Albiceleste finished the group stage with a 2-0 win over the Asian champions, who were invited to participate in the tournament alongside Japan.

"We think we're good because we came from a win that gave us a significant emotional boost," Scaloni said ahead of the quarter-final, per Goal's Dejan Kalinic. "It's going to be a difficult game, but we are confident."

Scaloni also noted the pressure his side are under following their victory over Qatar:

"Sometimes, these guys go out to play a soccer game and they seem to go out and play a war. With the pressure on them sometimes it is difficult to play.

"The message should be that while playing in the Copa America we are all on the same side."

Argentina started the tournament poorly as they lost 2-0 to Colombia before being held to a 1-1 draw by Paraguay.

The win over Qatar secured them a place in the last eight, with Lautaro Martinez and Sergio Aguero each getting on the scoresheet.

Argentinian football expert Roy Nemer was pleased with the attacking duo, but he remains concerned about La Albiceleste's defensive capabilities:

I thought Franco Armani looked more confident out there, maybe the penalty stop against Paraguay helped. However that back line is a disaster. A wound that constantly gets opened with every attack from the opposition. They're defending as they go along and it shows.

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) June 23, 2019

Venezuela did not score in their first two matches, which were 0-0 draws with Peru and Brazil, but they beat Bolivia 3-1 in their last outing.

Salomon Rondon's physicality and superb hold-up play can cause Argentina a lot of problems, while Darwin Machis is up and running after he netted twice against Bolivia.

Football journalist Simon Edwards believes Venezuela are in better shape than Argentina heading into the match:

🇦🇷 Argentina vs Venezuela 🇻🇪

Venezuela have already beaten Argentina 3-1 this year.

They have a clear system they know can work against Argentina, a world class goalkeeper, a quality striker & Josef off the bench.

Argentina have a higher ceiling but today Veneuezla are better.

— Simon Edwards (@SimonEdwardsSAF) June 26, 2019

If Scaloni's side are feeling confident after their win over Qatar, it would not come as a surprise if their self-belief turned out to be quite fragile—an early setback could be devastating.

Venezuela will be a significant test for Argentina, one they could easily fail if they don't improve on their previous showings.

Lionel Messi has said Argentina's 2-0 victory over Qatar in the 2019 Copa America in Brazil will help them "gain confidence" going into the knockout rounds.

After two games of their Group B campaign, Argentina had just one point following a defeat to Colombia and draw with Paraguay.

But Lautaro Martinez and Sergio Aguero netted against Qatar on Sunday to secure Argentina second place in their pool, meaning they advance to the quarter-finals where they will meet Venezuela.

Messi believes the victory over Qatar can help Argentina build some momentum going into the knockout rounds, per the team's official website (h/t Press Association, via MailOnline):

"We had a good match and we won, which was the most important. We needed a game like this, to gain confidence and be calm. As the games go by, the team has to grow and this match served that purpose. Now starts another Copa. Now starts all or nothing."

Argentina have reached the final in the last two editions of the Copa America but lost on both occasions to Chile on penalties.

On the basis of their performances so far in Brazil, it would be a major achievement were they to go as far again this year.

Even in victory at Porto Alegre's Arena do Gremio on Sunday, Lionel Scaloni's side looked unconvincing.

They will still be favourites to get past Venezuela, who are ranked No. 33 in the world, 22 places below Argentina.

But given Argentina were held to a draw by No. 36-ranked Paraguay in the group stage, Venezuela could still pose a challenge.

In the knockout stages, Messi's form will be vital to Argentina's progress, but he will need help from elsewhere.

It is good news for the side that Aguero found his goalscoring touch against Qatar:

Aguero wraps it up 💥 pic.twitter.com/mATgdKQVtd

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 23, 2019

Argentina finally get the second. Very nice from Aguero

— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) June 23, 2019

The Manchester City man enjoyed a superb 2018-19 season, and in tandem with Messi, he could cause problems for any defence in the world.

But Argentina need to find their best form fast, because if they get past Venezuela, they will likely meet hosts Brazil in the semi-finals.

They will have little chance of beating the Selecao unless they dramatically improve on their form so far in the tournament.  

Argentina beat Qatar 2-0 to qualify for the quarter-finals of the 2019 Copa America at the Arena do Gremio in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on Sunday:

Argentina back on track, heading to the #CopaAmerica quarter-finals 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/7PT2QdMx84

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 23, 2019

Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez got Argentina off to the perfect start by firing a low shot past goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb after just four minutes.

However, Lionel Scaloni's side could not add to their early goal, and Qatar came close to an equaliser just before half-time when Hassan Al-Haydos was inches away from converting a cross at the far post.

Argentina dominated the second half and created plenty of chances. Sergio Aguero was twice denied by Al Sheeb, while Lionel Messi blazed a good opportunity over the bar.

The Albiceleste's pressure eventually told on 82 minutes, when Aguero beat two defenders and then rifled a low shot across goal and into the back of the net to secure the win.

Scaloni made three changes to his team for the clash against Qatar, with Juan Foyth, Renzo Saravia and Sergio Aguero all coming into his starting XI:

Confirmation of Argentina's XI to face Qatar. Saravia & Foyth come in to the back four while Agüero partners Lautaro up top https://t.co/X3tzmNWXVc

— GOLAZO (@golazoargentino) June 23, 2019

The Albiceleste started the game strongly, with Lionel Messi and Martinez both firing shots over the crossbar before the Inter striker opened the scoring.

The goal came from a mistake by the Qatar defence, as Martinez intercepted a wayward pass out from the back and clinically finished from inside the penalty area (U.S. only):

An early goal for Argentina in this must-win match!

Lautaro Martínez capitalizes on a poor Qatar clearance! pic.twitter.com/Of4SlkZvct

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 23, 2019

It was the perfect start from Argentina, but Qatar gradually grew into the game and had chances to level the scores before half-time.

Their best opening fell to Al-Haydos five minutes before the break. The striker was inches away from latching on to a cross in from the right on the stretch but could not quite convert at the far post.

Journalist Daniel Edwards summed up Argentina's performance:

If one could sum up Argentina's Copa América campaign in one moment, it would be Lo Celso and Paredes jumping in opposite directions in the wall to open up a gaping hole and let Qatar hit the post.

— Daniel Edwards 💚 (@DanEdwardsGoal) June 23, 2019

Scaloni opted to make a change early in the second half, bringing off Giovani Lo Celso for Marcos Acuna, and Argentina started to dominate the game.

Messi set up Aguero for a great chance just before the hour mark, but the Manchester City striker saw his shot deflected over the crossbar. Aguero was then denied twice by goalkeeper Al Sheeb, as Qatar continued to frustrate the Albiceleste.

Even captain Messi was struggling to find the target for Argentina, as noted by football writer Sid Lowe:

Messi shot just went *vertically* upwards and over bar from 9 yards.

— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) June 23, 2019

Scaloni sent on Juventus forward Paulo Dybala for the final 15 minutes in search of the second goal, and it finally arrived with just eight minutes of normal time remaining.

Aguero picked up the ball deep inside the Qatar half but powered past two defenders and fired a low shot across goal that beat Al Sheeb:

That is some goal by Aguero, has to be said. Had a lot of work to be done and he scored. Not easy at all.

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) June 23, 2019

His goal was enough to seal Argentina's first victory at the Copa America and sees Scaloni's side avoid an embarrassing early exit from the tournament.

    

What's Next?

Argentina finish second in Group B and go on to face Venezuela in the quarter-finals. Qatar finish in fourth place and are eliminated from the tournament.

Lionel Messi expressed his frustrations with Argentina's struggles at the 2019 Copa America after the 1-1 draw against Paraguay on Wednesday. He said it would be "crazy" if he and his team-mates failed to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament. 

The Albiceleste sit in last place of Group B with just a single point after two matches, and they now have to beat Qatar to have any hope of advancing. Per ESPN FC, Messi is still confident of a positive outcome:

"Frankly, it's a little frustrating not being able to get the win we need to take the next step. We knew this would be difficult, we're still looking for the best group, for the best performance, to keep growing.

"[The squad] is hurt by the situation because we can't manage to win a game, and we know today was key for us. We know we have to win the next game to advance.

"We know we'll be playing for our lives. It would be crazy if we can't advance from the group stage, when basically three [teams] advance from each group. I have no doubt we'll do it."

The Barcelona man scored a penalty in the second half, pulling his side level after Richard Sanchez had opened the scoring in the first half. Goalkeeper Franco Armani saved a Derlis Gonzalez penalty to salvage a draw.

Colombia have already secured top spot in the group with wins over Argentina and Qatar. Paraguay are second on two points, one ahead of Qatar and Argentina. The top two teams will advance to the next round, along with the two best third-placed teams.

Sports journalist Richard Martin pointed out Group B is likely to provide one of the two best third-placed teams, but Qatar could beat Argentina to that spot:

Argentina will probably make it through if they beat Qatar as Japan and Ecuador are unlikely to get more than three points. HOWEVER: Qatar are actually quite good, and Argentina are not.

— Richard Martin (@RichMartinMcr) June 20, 2019

The Albiceleste arguably looked worse in Wednesday's draw than they did in the 2-0 loss against Colombia, and Goal thought the team did not present a cohesive unit in the draw:

The only moment Argentina looked like a team against Paraguay 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/upRoCG7mYU

— GOAL (@goal) June 20, 2019

Newcastle's Miguel Almiron dominated the midfield pair of Paris Saint-Germain's Leandro Paredes and Real Betis' Giovani Lo Celso, and Argentina's defence never looked comfortable as a result. The back line's top player, Manchester City's Nicolas Otamendi, had a nightmare outing that included giving away a penalty:

Otamendi's hair dye has seeped through to his brain, there's no other way to explain that idiotic tackle.

— Daniel Edwards 💚 (@DanEdwardsGoal) June 20, 2019

Argentina will face Qatar in their final group-stage match on Sunday. If they win, they will finish on four points.

Group A's current third-placed team, Venezuela, have two points and are expected to beat Bolivia in their final match, but in Group C, Japan and Ecuador have no points after a single match. They will face Uruguay and Chile, respectively, on Friday, before meeting in their final group-stage match on Monday.