Argentina have put themselves in a good position to get their Copa America campaign off to a winning start, with Gerardo Martino's men leading Paraguay 2-0 at half time in Group B this evening.
Argentina had the chance to take the lead in the sixth minute when Angel Di Maria lifted a cross in from the left and Nicolas Otamendi met the ball, but could only guide his effort wide of the target.
Martino's men continued to push for an opener and they almost found it through Lionel Messi, who reacted well to a shot from Javier Mascherano, only for the Barcelona man to see his effort fly just past the post.
Paraguay were on the ropes during the first half, with Miguel Samudio having to produce a vital sliding tackle to deny Sergio Aguero, who looked to profit from a defence-splitting ball from Javier Pastore.
The Argentine breakthrough came soon after, though, as Aguero made no mistake with his second major chance as the Manchester City frontman profited from a sloppy back-pass to push his side in front.
Martino's side ensured that they took a healthy lead into the interval nine minutes before the end of the half, as Messi stepped up to slot home from the spot following more poor defending that saw Samudio needlessly bring down Di Maria inside the box.
Christopher Dodd
Argentina
Canada
Chile
Peru
Venezuela
Ecuador
Mexico
Jamaica
Uruguay
Panama
USA
Bolivia
Colombia
Brazil
Costa Rica
Paraguay
