Paraguay rose to seventh in the standings with nine points, just one behind Brazil. The decisive goal came in the 20th minute when Gomez collected a clearance just outside the area, took a touch, and fired a stunning shot with the outside of his right foot that rebounded off the post and into the net.
The 37-year-old striker, Uruguay's all-time leading scorer and a key player since 2007, was honored with the captain's armband by manager Marcelo Bielsa for his final match, according to Xinhua. The Inter Miami star nearly made his farewell memorable with a stunning volley in the 18th minute that struck the post.
In the third minute, the 35-year-old Benfica defender, with a spectacular volley from Rodrigo de Paul's corner, gave the hosts the lead, leaving goalkeeper Carlos Coronel helpless.
Recent days have seen a series of protests against Abdo's government amid overwhelmed hospitals and shortages of vaccines and drugs for COVID-19 patients.
In 58th minute, Giovani Lo Celso pulled the ball back for captain Messi to sidefoot low into the net, but the goal was eventually disallowed by the Brazilian officials for a foul by Gonzalez at the beginning of the move