Newcastle United's Miguel Almiron's already one of the stars of Copa America

The 25-year-old set up Paraguay’s goal, scored by Richard Sanchez, in last night’s 1-1 draw against Argentina. Lionel Messi netted an equaliser Belo Horizonte, Brazil, from a penalty awarded by VAR.

After the game, United posted a photograph of Almiron challenging Messi on Twitter with the captain: “A football genius and Lionel Messi.”

Almiron, signed from Atlanta United in January in a club-record deal, had also impressed in last week’s 2-2 draw against Qatar.

Paraguay complete their group campaign with a fixture against group leaders Colombia in Salvador on Sunday.

Speaking after the game, Almiron – who has fully recovered from the season-ending injury he suffered playing for Newcastle in April – said: “I have faith that we will qualify.”