Roberto Pereyra played the first-half of Argentina's 1-1 Copa America draw against Paraguay on Wednesday evening.

The Watford winger was replaced at half-time with his side trailing, before Lionel Messi levelled the scores from the spot 12 minutes into the second-half.

Paraguay opened the scoring eight minutes before the break when Newcastle United's Miguel Almiron burst down the left wing and crossed for Gustavo Gomez to score.

Argentina were lucky to avoid defeat after Derlis Gonzalez missed a penalty in the 63rd minute.

Pereyra's side sit bottom of group B, behind Qatar on goal difference, but a win over Qatar in their final group match could be enough to see them through to the next round, if Paraguay fail to beat group leaders Colombia.

In an interview with the club website prior to the tournament, Pereyra said he was disappointed with his nation's showing in last year's World Cup and said he hoped he would earn more game time at the Copa America and help his country overcome their regrets.

“I watched a lot of the World Cup and the expectations that were placed on the Argentina side were quite high, so I can’t deny I was disappointed with the tournament we had,” he said.

"But again, this is football so we have to leave the past behind and try to build up again. We need to start again from the beginning and hopefully things will get better very soon.

"I know how difficult it’ll be to get back my place with the national team; I’m not naive, but I’ve done it before and I know my quality and the things I can bring to the team.

"I’m more of a midfielder, and I believe in that position I can contribute good things. So I will do everything I can to make it possible.

“I’m so proud to have done it [many] times already, and I’d really like the opportunity to increase that number.”

Elsewhere, Dodi Lukebakio played 90 minutes as Belgium were beaten 2-1 by Spain in the Under-21 European Championship.

His side sit bottom of group A and need to beat Italy by three goals and hope that Poland can beat Spain in the final round of matches, in order for them to progress.