Argentina's poor start to World Cup 2018 qualifying continued as last year's beaten finalists were held to a frustrating goalless draw in Paraguay.
Gerardo Martino's side are now without a win after two games of the South American qualifying campaign, having lost their opening fixture 2-0 to Ecuador last Thursday.
Missing both Barcelona star Messi, whose left knee injury is expected to keep him out until late November, and Sergio Aguero, who was carried off on a stretcher during last week's 2-0 loss to Ecuador, the goal-scoring burden fell to Carlos Tevez and Angel di Maria. Both proved wasteful
Argentina, who humiliated Paraguay 6-1 in the semi-final of the Copa America in June, could only muster four shots on target during a disappointing display against the same opponents.
On 21 minutes, the unmarked Tevez flashed a header over the bar from six yards out, Di Maria having supplied an inviting cross. Eight minutes later the roles were reversed, Di Maria shooting over the top, following good work from Tevez.
A dreadful free-kick from Di Maria in the final minute, which failed to beat the first defender, was emblematic of Argentina's limp display.
Ezequiel Lavezzi also missed two decent opportunities.
Argentina threw on Tottenham's Erik Lamela and Juventus striker Paulo Dybala in an attempt to break the deadlock in the second half, as Di Maria narrowly shot wide after 53 minutes.
But Dybala missed his opportunity to clinch all three points by blasting over the crossbar with just three minutes remaining.
Argentina must now try to get their qualifying campaign back on track when they face fierce rivals Brazil in November.
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