Spectacular Nicolas Otamendi Goal Against Paraguay Helps Argentina Continue Winning Streak

Nicolas Otamendi scored his 1st international goal since 2018 as Argentina beat Paraguay 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier. Otamendi's goal was spectacular.

Nicolas Otamendi scored his first international goal since 2018 as Argentina beat Paraguay 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday night.

The former Manchester City center-back nailed a spectacular volley in the third minute following a deep corner kick from Rodrigo De Paul.

Nicolás Otamendi, take a bow! 🫡

A beautiful volley from the center-back. 💥

🎥 @TV_Publica pic.twitter.com/kpCMqt7bc4

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 12, 2023

Otamendi - who was playing his 106th senior international game for Argentina - started Thursday's game as captain in the absence of Lionel Messi.

But Otamendi insisted on giving the armband to Messi when the Inter Miami star came off the bench as a substitute in the second half in Buenos Aires.

Argentina were good value for their victory despite the seemingly close scoreline.

The world champions had 75% of possession and recorded 15 shots to Paraguay's four.

Highlights: Argentina 1-0 Paraguay

Nicolas Otamendi pictured (right) volleying the ball to score a spectacular goal for Argentina against Paraguay / Televisión Pública

Argentina have now won seven straight games since December's World Cup final victory over France on penalties.

Indeed, if you include Argentina's victories via penalty shootouts then Lionel Scaloni's side are now on a 13-game winning streak.

Argentina's Last 13 Results

1. Beat Mexico 2-0
2. Beat Poland 2-0
3. Beat Australia 2-1
4. Drew 2-2 with the Netherlands (won 4-3 on penalties)
5. Beat Croatia 3-0
6. Drew 3-3 with France (won 4-2 on penalties)
7. Beat Panama 2-0
8. Beat Curacao 7-0
9. Beat Australia 2-0
10. Beat Indonesia 2-0
11. Beat Ecuador 1-0
12. Beat Bolivia 3-0
13. Beat Paraguay 1-0