The World Cup winners didn't need their superstar as they made it three wins from three in qualifying with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay.
Lionel Messi did end up making an appearance, featuring off the bench as a substitute. As it turns out, though, Argentina didn't really need him to take care of Paraguay in Thursday's World Cup qualifying clash at the Estadio Monumental.
Argentina got their goal early from an unlikely source as another familiar face led the way in the 1-0 win. Defender Nicolas Otamendi fired home a fantastic volley just three minutes in, and Argentina never looked back.
Thanks to fantastic performances from the midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo de Paul and Enzo Fernandez, Paraguay never really got a sniff of the game. By the time Messi came into the match early in the second half, replacing the impressive Julian Alvarez, it felt like the game was only going one way.
Messi hit the post twice, despite looking far from his best, but it wouldn't come back to bite Argentina, who made it three wins from three in CONMEBOL's qualifiers as they march on in their World Cup defense.
GOAL rates Argentina's players from the Estadio Monumental.
ALEJANDRO PAGNI/AFP via Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Emiliano Martinez (6/10):
Had just one save and didn't have to do too much else as Paraguay were contained by those in front of him.
Nahuel Molina (7/10):
Similar to Tagliafico, but just a bit less involved. Still, a very good day out for the Atletico Madrid man.
Nicolas Otamendi (8/10):
A striker's finish! The defender smashed a fantastic volley for his fifth international goal and then turned around and locked down Paraguay for all 90 minutes. A massive performance.
Cristian Romero (7/10):
Didn't do as much on either end as his centerback partner, but was still as solid as can be.
Nicolas Tagliafico (8/10):
Won't get the attention, but put in a quietly solid defensive shift at left-back while being near-flawless with the ball at his feet.
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Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):
A few fantastic tackles and did what he always does to keep things ticking with the ball. Absolutely dazzled on one Messi-esque sequence at the edge of the Paraguay box.
Enzo Fernandez (7/10):
Did a little bit of everything for Argentina, proving once again why he fits so perfectly in this team.
Rodrigo De Paul (8/10):
Provided the assist from the corner on Otamendi's goal and nearly scored himself by hitting the post later on in the first half. Totally ran the game from the midfield, ensuring Argentina didn't have much trouble with whatever Paraguay threw at them.
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Julian Alvarez (7/10):
Was unlucky to be taken off somewhat early for Messi, as the Manchester City star was the best player in Argentina's attack. Played a big role creatively, even if he didn't get a goal or an assist on the day.
Lautaro Martinez (5/10):
He continues to score for Inter, but it's now been over a year since he scored for Argentina. With Alvarez shining, is his place in danger? This performance won't help as he mustered just one total shot.
Nicolas Gonzalez (6/10):
Had a chance just before the half, but couldn't convert. Pretty wasteful, overall, as Paraguay were happier to let him have the ball than the other two in attack.
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Lionel Messi (6/10):
Didn't look fit, but still hit both an Olimpico and a free-kick off the post because he is who he is. Probably didn't need to be risked in this game, though.
Leandro Paredes (N/A):
Came on late to provide fresh legs in place of Fernandez, who was also sitting on a yellow card.
Lionel Scaloni (8/10):
Got the team selection spot on as Argentina navigated a Messi-less line-up. Another game, another win on the road to the World Cup. Questions to be asked of his usage of Messi remain, however.