Angel Romero scored his third goal in three internationals when he rolled home the penalty for Paraguay midway through the first half after Lucas Martinez Quarta was adjudged to have brought down Miguel Almiron. Nicolas Gonzalez equalised for Argentina four minutes before half-time as he bulleted a header home from a Giovani Lo Celso corner-kick.

After matching the home side for the opening period, Paraguay was on the back foot for most of the second half in the Boca Juniors Stadium. Argentina thought it had taken the lead after an hour when Lionel Messi sidefooted the ball home. But, the goal was chalked off for an earlier infringement inside its own half that was picked up by VAR.

At the other end, Paraguay had a loud shout for a penalty turned down after the ball hit the arm of centre-back Nicolas Otamendi. The result means both sides remain unbeaten after the first three of their 18-game quest to reach the Finals in Qatar.

Bolivia lost 2-3 at home to Ecuador earlier in the day. The host took the lead shortly before half-time only for Ecuador to score twice early in the second period. Although Marcelo Moreno equalised for Bolivia, Carlos Gruezo scored Ecuador’s winner from the spot two minutes from time.

RESULTS: Argentina 1 drew with Paraguay 1; Bolivia 2 lost to Ecuador 3.