Argentina remain top of South America’s qualification table for the 2022 World Cup finals but failed to beat Paraguay in Buenos Aires on Thursday night.

Lionel Messi thought he had sealed all three points for La Albiceleste after finishing off a superb team move early in the second half; however, the goal was ruled out following a VAR review.

Messi stuck the ball past goalkeeper Anthony Silva but Brazilian referee Raphael Claus disallowed the goal because of a foul which had occurred 27 seconds earlier.

This decision ultimately denied Argentina two precious points.

Paraguay took the lead in the 21st minute thanks to an Angel Romero penalty before Nicolas Gonzalez equalled on the stroke of half-time.

Argentina were producing some eye-catching football at the start of the second half and Messi finished off a wonderful 15-pass move in the 57th minute.

But the celebrations of Messi and co. were cut short after Claus consulted the pitch-side monitor.

VAR had spotted a foul for Paraguay almost 30 seconds earlier when the ball was still in Argentina’s half.