Copa America 2015 REPORT score - Argentina 2-2 Paraguay: Lionel Messi gets favourites off to good start before stunning comeback 

What a game! An absolute pleasure to watch it with you. 

I'll be back tomorrow at around 7pm for a double-header featuring Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado and Neymar (among others) as Colombia and Brazil kick off their campaigns.

Until then though, it's good night from me. I leave you with Martin Domin's match report from La Serena. 

But let's not focus on the negatives - either of the officiating or the Argentinians. This was a superb comeback by Paraguay, and we should note that.

It's the first time since 1966 that a team have come from two goals down to get a draw in the Copa America. What an achievement. 

Of course, the decision of Wilmar Roldan not to send off Derlis Gonzalez, just three minutes after he came on as a half-time substitute, also looks more important now.

At the time it felt like a kind gesture to a team getting battered - but surely Paraguay would not have come back with 10 men?

Of course Lucas Barrio will get the headlines, as will the first goalscorer Valdes, but Anthony Silva was also crucial tonight. 

He made a number of saves, but this was probably the best, diving superbly to deny Javier Pastore. 

At the time I was half-heartedly saying he had kept his side in the game - well it turns out he really had!

Remarkable. At half time it looked like a question of how many. Yet somehow (how?) Paraguay have snatched a point. 

You can't really, on the balance of play, or chances, say they deserved it. But for pure spirit, determination, grit and perseverance, you wouldn't want to take it away from them. Simply stunning!

The crowd are stunned. The players are stunned. I'm stunned. What a brilliant fight-back after such a turgid first half from Paraguay. 

But Argentina are not done. Angel di Maria puts in a beautiful ball to the back post, and Carlos Tevez meets it, unmarked, from six yards. He heads it down, but past the post. That was a golden opportunity. 

Would you believe it! Paraguay are level. And it's the Argentine-born Lucas Barrios who gets it!

A deep free kick is pumped into the box, Pablo Aguilar gets up and wins the header, nods it down into a dangerous area, and Barrios lashes it home. 

A quality finish from the substitute. But what about that!

Anthony Silva, who was blameless for both goals and has helped his defenders out well tonight, is livid after receiving an unkind backpass. 

The stand-in goalkeeper has really excelled this evening.

At the other end another Paraguay set piece comes to nothing, although this time it at least finds a red-shirted head, Victor Cacares nodding the ball just wide. 

The 2011 finalists are really pushing for an equaliser now - but their final ball has been poor since the goal.

Several free kicks have been lumped pointlessly towards Romero, and now Samudio wastes possession by blasting aimlessly over the bar. 

Rising above all this near-drama, is the still peerless Lionel Messi. He drifts past one, two, three Paraguay players in the middle of the pitch - just because he can.

Once he gives it to a team-mate, the attack fizzles out. He should just dribble forever - I'd pay to watch that. 

'Great match, end to end stuff......Credit to Paraguay after their first half showing,' says peter in the comments. 

I couldn't agree more, peter - where has this second half come from? Paraguay were awful for 45 minutes, but they've really shown something since the break. 

Nicolas Otamendi goes into the book for a high foot. 

The excellent Ever Banega is replaced by Lucas Biglia for the final 10 minutes or so. It wouldn't quite be fair to say Argentina are holding on, but they are no longer in complete control. 

Carlos Tevez had been cheered as he warmed up and was given a huge reception as he came on for Javier Pastore. A fans' favourite after failing to make last summer's World Cup

Angel di Maria, who is lucky to still be on the pitch given Tata Martino's substitutions, gets a shot away for the first time really tonight. 

It's powerful, but straight at the keeper, and Silva palms it behind.

Meanwhile Roque Santa Cruz, who has been very quiet, is replaced by Argentinian-born striker Lucas Barrios. What a story a goal from him would be...

Another good save from the Argentina keeper - and it denies Samudio his golden moment. The left back cost his team both goals in the first half, but he arrives in the box to smash an effort at goal at the end of a fluent Paraguay move.

Aguero though stands tall and tips the well-struck effort over the bar. Good keeping. 

Not a bad couple of players to bring off the bench here. Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain make their way onto the pitch, to replace Javier Pastore and Sergio Aguero. That's pretty positive. 

Chances, and really good chances, flowing at both ends. With Argentina pressed forward, Paraguay break, and only a last-ditch tackle denies them the chance to equalise. 

Argentina go straight down the other end though, and as Aguero shoots across goal, Messi is inches away from touching it in for 3-1. What a minute of football. This game is by far the best we've seen at this tournament so far.

Paraguay have been so much better in this second half, and they could be level. A corner is cleared as far as Derlis Gonzalez, who gets down the left and sings a lovely ball across the face of goal.

Nelson Valdes flicks it towards the far post, but, tantalisingly, away from the onrushing players, and just past the post. So close. 

Usually when journalists get to watch Lionel Messi, it's from high up in the gods at the Nou Camp. Thanks to the low press box at La Portada and Messi's position, right in front of us, this is a rare treat.

Being so close to the world's greatest footballer and seeing him work his magic makes you doubt your own eyes at times. Simply sublime.

Raul Bobadilla has been a real menace in this second half - in fact I'd say he's been Paraguay's best player, but his race is now run and he is replaced by Edgar Benitez, another forward. 

How about this for a save though! Javier Pastore smashes the ball at goal from about 10 yards, and Silva does brilliantly to push it away for a corner. Keeping his side in it. 

Scoring against Argentina should come with a health warning if Lionel Messi is going to react like this. 

He picks the ball up 40 yards out, eases past one defender despite his shirt being half pulled off, takes on two more and beats them to get into the box. Once there he rounds the keeper but, from a tight angle and with three men on the line, his shot goes across the face of goal.

Mesmerizing, but not goal this time. What a response. 

Where has this come from? All of a sudden, Paraguay are back in this. Twice in two minutes they get shots away, the first well saved by Sergio Romero, but the second a quite sensational strike past him. 

Nelson Valdez strikes it from some way out, a powerful dipping shot that flies into the top corner. Stunning. Game back on!

Lovely stuff. Javier Pastore feeds Lionel Messi on the right wing. Messi slides it back inside the box. Pastore returns it to his captain, who shoots. 

It's well-saved by Anthony Silva, and perhaps the shot could have been further away from the Paraguay keeper. But what a goal that would have been.

Sergio Aguero just loves scoring goals, and he almost gets another here. A snapshot from the Manchester City star is deflected just wide. Close to a third for Argentina.

The corner goes less well, and Paraguay have a real chance to break, briefly five against four, but they can't sort it out, and the favourites deal with it easily in the end. 

This time last year, Angel di Maria had just starred in Real Madrid's Champions League triumph and was heralded as one of the best players in the world. Behind Messi and Ronaldo, for sure, but in the next tier.

One season at Manchester United and he looks a shell of that player. Messi plays him in down the left, he twists, turns and gives the ball away. The boy is clearly still quality, but his confidence looks shot. 

A clever free kick there from Argentina, using a secret weapon - Messi's heading. The little genius arrives late and powers a header towards goal, which is deflected into the keepers hands. 

But, slightly worryingly, he takes a knock in the follow through and goes down. A fair bit of treatment, but eventually he continues. 

Paraguay were out early for the second half but unless they've sneaked on a 12th man, it'll take more than that to get them back into this game. With potentially three teams going through from the group, surely Argentina are already in the last 16?

Derlis, you silly, silly boy! Just seconds after that first booking he trips Di Maria again. Any other situation, that's a yellow card - and he only came on as a sub at half time! 

Paraguay could, and should, be down to 10. 

We are playing again, it's been a low-key start to the second half. Derlis Gonzalez decides it should get less low key and he charges into Angel di Maria. A clear foul, an easy booking. 

But, to be honest, it probably made him feel a little better.

In truth, at 1-0 you felt Argentina were in control, but at 2-0, it is surely now game over in terms of a result, and just a chance to enjoy this talented team.

That penalty is therefore a huge moment. As I said at the time, it was probably a bit soft, but you can see here Samudio is nowhere near the ball. 

This is death by passing - just look at these two pitch maps. If ever you wanted to see a sign of dominance, this is it. 

Paraguay had a game plan, and it worked for 29 minutes - where do they go from here? Damage limitation?

Let's have a look at some of your comments - and most of them are about one man:

'That play from Messi that led to the PK, I don't know how Messi went through those defenders with the ball,' says Winter is Coming. I agree, it was magical. 

oneclub_manutd asks 'Wait ronaldo is officially still best player in the world, why is daily mail stating that messi is the best player in the world? Lol the year hasnt passed yet and ronaldo is still the best player like come on'.

Well, I see your point - officially Ronaldo is still the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, and he is a superb player. But having had the pleasure to watch a lot of both last season, there is no doubt in my mind that a) Messi is the best player in the world and b) he will be named as such at the end of the year. 

The perfect start to Argentina's bid to end 22 years of hurt. Some great football, led by Lionel, and two goals. 

They almost had a third on the stroke of half time, but Angel di Maria fluffed the chance. Fortunately for the Manchester United man, his club team-mate Marcos Rojo had already been given offside. 

As well as having huge quality, Argentina give you no time on the ball - their pressing is almost as impressive as their passing. 

That's what led to the first goal, and it almost gets Aguero in twice here in the space of two minutes. 

The penalty, however, converted by Messi, all came from his own brilliance. 

Ever Banega had a brilliant season with Sevilla and it looks like he's carrying it on here. He's not Tata Martino's usual choice in midfield - that's Lucas Biglia - but on this performance he might well keep his place for the Uruguay game on Tuesday night.

The first Argentinian booking, and it's for the stand-in right back Roncaglia. A chance for Paraguay to attack via a set piece - but it's wasted. They really do look clueless the 2011 runners-up.

How do you stop Messi? The answer is, you don't! Paulo da Silva barges him, then pulls him to the ground inside the box, but no penalty given. Not really sure why, except that the Colombian official feels sorry for Paraguay!

This could end up any score. Argentina playing some lovely stuff, with Paraguay powerless. Richard Ortiz is the latest to pick up a booking trying to stop Messi and co.

The little genius developed a reputation for missing penalties last season - but he makes no mistake here. 

Swept calmly into the bottom corner. He deserves that, as do Argentina.

Angel di Maria is fouled in the box, but this is all about Lionel Messi. With four men around him he waltzes through them and feeds the Manchester United midfielder.

Di Maria went down under the challenge of Samudio. Soft? Perhaps? But given.

You fear for Paraguay now. At 0-0 they had something to hold onto. Now... well they have to attack at some point. If they don't they lose. If they do, it could get messy! 

Argentina in complete control, moving the ball around beautifully. 

The first goal of Argentina's campaign, but how soft is this?! Just after Samudio had taken the ball off Lionel Messi on the half-way line, with the danger seemingly averted, he plays a shocker of a backpass.

Aguero nips in, rounds the keeper, and slots into an empty net. What a waste of all Paraguay's hard work.

After a warm day, the temperature is dropping rapidly. On the pitch, though, things are starting to heat up. Lovely skills from Lionel Messi in the centre-circle delight the spectators, but Argentina probably want him a tad further up the pitch. 

Sergio Romero gets to touch the ball, claiming a high, looping free kick. That's nice for him.

It came after Marcos Rojo had committed an entirely unnecessary foul. At the other end Sergio Aguero has Argentina's first shot on target, taking down a Messi brilliant flick, but a deflection took all the sting out of his eventual shot. Easily saved. 

Our first booking of the night, and it's Paraguay defender Pablo Aguilar. The referee tried to play advantage, but decided one wasn't forthcoming, and produced a card for a foul on Aguero.

The first of many you feel for the men in red and white.

Brilliant football. Javier Pastore turns on the ball in the centre circle, plays a gorgeous pass, outside of the foot all along the floor for Sergio Aguero, who looks to be in on goal.

The Manchester City striker is denied though, by a magnificent sliding tackle from Miguel Samudio. That is just brilliant. 

We are still waiting for a first goal, but some real quality, in flashes, on show here. 

Marcos Rojo has looked bright on the left in the early stages and Argentina certainly favour that wing. Messi has been forced to come inside for the ball as he looks to grab this game by the scruff of the neck.

Paraguay, when they do decide to counter, are a bit dangerous.

Roque Santa Cruz gets their first quarter chance of the game, played in on the right hand side of the box, just outside the area. His shot is blocked - but at least it was a shot!

Wow! That was really close to being 1-0. Argentina put a lovely move together, with Messi and Banega exchanging passes before the ball breaks to Javier Mascherano on the edge of the box. 

His shot is probably goalbound, but saveable, until Messi diverts it towards the other corner of the net... but just wide.

Not an easy chance, the ball came at pace and it was an instinctive touch, but the keeper was well beaten. 

Ok, it's not really much of an attack, but it's better than nothing. Paraguay get the ball in the Argentina half, which is a nice change, and it almost falls for Raul Bobadilla 30 yards out. 

But he is swiftly crowded out, Argentina emerge with the ball, and soon after a Paraguay player commits a foul. As you were.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi is already getting on the ball in dangerous areas, coming deep to pick up the ball and then driving at the Paraguay defence.

So far, to be fair, they are doing a decent job of stopping him and the rest of the Argentina attack, but sitting deep and absorbing pressure. I repeat, so far!

Argentina aren't afraid to go long when it suits, and it so nearly comes off there, Rojo getting in behind from a glorious lofted pass, and his first time cross nearly finding Aguero.

Lionel Messi then finds Di Maria with his classic flighted cross-field pass, leading to a succession of corners. Can they come up with an end product?

Some debate over who should start in between Angel di Maria and Lionel Messi, with Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez the prime candidates.

People advocating the latter say he has more fight than Manchester City's striker, but Aguero - chosen today - just wrestled away a Paraguay defender to loud cheers from Albiceleste fans.

Again and again the blue and white waves come forward - Paraguay have barely had the ball inside the Argentina half.

And Ortiz shows, for what I imagine will be the first time of many in this tournament, how to stop Lionel Messi. A blatant shoulder barge.

Paraguay just looking to hang in there for now. 

The Paraguayan fans may be outnumbered, but they are being seen and heard. 

On the pitch Argentina continue to dominate, but haven't yet created anything you'd describe as clear cut. 

Lionel Messi torments a defender before putting in a dangerous ball, but it's dealt with - just about. 

Argentina turn possession into position for the first time, and it's the Manchester United duo of Angel di Maria and Marcos Rojo who are involved.

Di Maria goes down the left and gets a cross in, which is cleared to Rojo. The defender has a shot from range, which is deflected for a corner.

That evenutally leads to a Nicolas Otamendi header over the bar. Decent start from the favourites.

This referee is like a kid with a new toy at Christmas. Blowing his whistle like its going out of fashion. Steady on, please.

Martin is quite right. About five free kicks in the first three minutes - none of them fouls for me!

No doubt the Paraguay game plan - everyone behind the ball for the first few minutes, but when they do get a foot in, they look to break quickly. 

The first time they are called back by the referee after Javier Pastore was adjudged to have been fouled. 

Argentina, playing in the classic blue and white stripes, get us underway. Paraguay, red striped on the front, all red on the back, yet fail to touch he ball once in the first 60 seconds. 

Respectful round of applause from Argentina supporters for Paraguay's national anthem. Then they sing their own with vigour. Not long till kick off now. Here's hoping this is better than Uruguay vs Jamaica.

It has been a while since Argentina last lifted major silverware. A whole 22 years in fact, since Gabriel Batistuta struck twice to beat Mexico and win the 1993 Copa America.

Who is the Batigol in this side? Aguero is the out and out goalscorer, while Messi carries the talismanic tag. 

Also in that 1993 side were Diego Simeone and Fernandon Redondo - Javier Mascherano and Ever Banega anyone?

National anthems time - and the Paraguayan players are, it must be said, particularly tuneless. Let's hope they play better than they sing.

A better show from the Argentines, but then it is an easier anthem. Not a lot of players singing along!

Let's get down to some football now shall we?

I'm always grateful to hear what you guys reading have to say, so do feel free to tweet me (@Jonny_singer) during the game, or get in touch in the comments section. 

Will Lionel Messi finally guide his side to glory? Is Sergio Aguero going to be the star? Will Angel di Maria discover his true form? Or can Paraguay cause an upset? 

Also, a reminder that if you want to watch the game, you can do so here, with Premier Sports. For just £9.99 you can see the whole tournament. 

Aside from all of those mentioned above, the Tata Martino has some real talent in his side. Javier Pastore is constantly referred to by PSG as one of the world's best players, and with good reason, while Ever Banega could pass the ball forever and not get bored.

The only player in that starting line-up you might not be so familiar with is Fiorentina full back Facundo Roncaglia, who spent last season on loan at Genoa. This is just his fifth cap for his country.

Where to start? How about their bench, where Champions League finalists Carlos Tevez, Manchester City defenders Pablo Zabaleta and Martin Demichelis, perenial Premier League targets Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gonzalo Higuain and Spurs misfit Erik Lamela have all been left sitting.

Then you get to the team itself. Manchester United's Marcos Rojo starts at the back, former Liverpool star Javier Mascherano is in midfield and how about that front three. Sergio Aguero. Angel di Maria. And Lionel Messi.

Ok, so the Paraguay side may not be full of household names, but they made the final last time, they must be alright?

Well, maybe. But also, very much maybe not. They are the second-lowest ranked team in the tournament, and they reached the 2011 final without winning a game. To call this a shadow of the team that reached the 2010 World Cup quarter final is an understatement.

That said, Pablo Aguilar is a versatile and classy defender, and if he can organise his backline alongside veteran Paulo Da Silva - Paraguay's most capped player - there is some hope of stopping Argentina's quality forwards.

Very few of the Paraguay squad play outside south America, and there are none currently in the Premier League, but that doesn't mean you won't recognise any of them.

Leading the line, at the ripe old age of 33, is none other than former Blackburn and Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz.

'Rocky' also played for Bayern Munic, Betis, and Malaga before returning to Latin America, where he now plays for Mexican side Cruz Azul.

One of the intriguing sublplots in this game is the story of former Barcelona manager Gerardo 'Tata' Martino.

After guiding Paraguay to the World Cup quarter final in 2010, and then taking them to the final of the 2011 Copa America, he left the country to return to club football.

'Tata' is now the boss of Argentina, via a disastrous spell in charge of Barca, where he is continuing to work with Messi. 

How will his former charges manage against his current side?

Argentina fans seem in high spirits, cheering every time one of their players puts the ball in the net during the warm up. Significantly more of them here than Paraguay fans too. 

Here are those teams - one may look a bit more familiar than the other, but no matter, I'll be taking you through both line-ups shortly!

Argentina: Romero, Roncaglia, Otamendi, Garay, Rojo, Banega, Mascherano, Pastore, Messi, Aguero Di María
Paraguay: Silva, M Caceres, Da Silva, Aguilar, Samudio, V Caceres, Ortigoza, Ortíz, Valdez, Santa Cruz, Bobadilla

Only 17,000 will watch the favourites Argentina start their campaign in La Serena but the openess of the stadium with the peaks of the mountains in the distance makes it seem much bigger.

And after Uruguay laboured to victory over Jamaica, Lionel Messi and Co will be confident they have little to worry about in Group B.

Right, let's get straight down to business. Uruguay have just limped past Jamaica 1-0, and it's fair to say this competition has not yet fully ignited.

In fact, no team has scored in the first half of a game yet. Well, that's all about to change. We have one of the most exciting line-ups you could ever hope to see today. 

Team news coming your way in just a moment. 

Are your mouths watering? Well they should be! The most talented squad in South America is about to get their campaign underway. And it's going to be brilliant. 

Not convinced? Look at this picture of strangely sinister Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona and Javier Mascherano. 

Now you're convinced!