Paraguay come back in 2-2 draw with Argentina

Paraguay produced an outstanding second-half fightback to earn an unlikely 2-2 draw against Argentina on Saturday night.

Two goals in the space of eight first-half minutes from Sergio Agüero and Lionel Messi (penalty) looked to have put Gerardo Martino's men in complete control at Estadio La Portada in La Serena as they totally dominated proceedings.

But Paraguay proved a rejuvenated outfit after the interval and forced their way back into the contest when Nelson Valdez crashed home a spectacular long-range effort just before the hour, reports Copa America's official website.

The game then developed into an open, end-to-end affair with both teams creating plenty of chances to add to the scoreline - Valdez in particular coming close to an equaliser.

It looked like Argentina had done enough to escape with the points, but in the final minute of regulation time substitute Lucas Barrios slammed home a low left-footed shot following a free-kick to earn Ramón Diaz's side a share of the spoils.

After a cagey start, Messi almost gave Argentina an 18th-minute lead but his side-footed effort went wide of the post, while a last-ditch Pablo Aguilar tackle denied Aguero four minutes later.

Argentina, though, did not have to wait long for their opener thanks to Aguero - fresh from his first international hat-trick in the final warm-up clash against Bolivia last time out.

Aguero pounced on a misplaced pass from Paraguay defender Miguel Samudio - harassed by Messi - and rounded goalkeeper Antony Silva with ease.

Messi made it 2-0 for Argentina from the spot in the 36th minute after Angel di Maria had been bundled over by the unfortunate Samudio in the area.

But the interval worked wonders for La Albirroja who were a team transformed having been outplayed to that point.

Messi and his team-mates remained a threat, but Valdez reduced the deficit after unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner of the net from outside the penalty area, leaving Romero helpless.

That sparked Argentina into action, Messi and Javier Pastore both presented with opportunities to extend the lead, however both chances went begging.

And with time running out Argentina were made to pay for those missed opportunities, when Barrios rifled the ball into the net from close range to snatch a point for his side.