Argentina remain winless in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup after a 0-0 draw in a physical clash with Paraguay at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco.
Gerardo Martino's side lost their opening fixture against Ecuador 2-0 on Thursday, and a goalless game in Asuncion leaves them with just one point from a possible six.
In their search for a goal, Argentina left themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks, but Ramon Diaz’s men were unable to exploit the gaps and steal all three points.
It was a result that was a far cry from Argentina’s 6-1 thrashing of Paraguay in the semi-finals of Copa America 2015 and is sure to increase the pressure on Martino.
With 15 minutes on the clock, Sergio Romero had to dive low to his left to parry Derlis Gonzalez's stinging strike from a 35-yard set-piece.
Paraguay's momentum grew, but they were let off the hook when Tevez passed up a glorious chance in the 21st minute.
After Antony Silva's drop-kick ricocheted off the Boca Juniors striker, Angel di Maria dispossessed the scrambling Miguel Samudio in the corner and curled in a cross that the unmarked Tevez could only head over.
It was an unlikely source that eventually forced Silva into his first save of the evening, with Javier Mascherano's 25-yard effort held by the keeper six minutes later.
However, Argentina were almost punished on the counter-attack by Diaz's side on the hour-mark.
Lezcano's poor first touch off a square pass from Gonzalez afforded Pablo Zabaleta enough time to slide in and get an important block on the striker's shot.
