Argentina - Paraguay Betting: Messi is favourite to score but Aguero may offer better value

The Manchester City forward netted when the two sides met in the group stages and there is every chance that he can add to his Copa America goal tally in the semi-finals

As he is practically every time he takes to a football pitch, Lionel Messi is the favourite to score in the second semi-final of this year's Copa America. 

It has not been a vintage tournament so far from the Barcelona forward, though, with Messi looking a little jaded after a successful but long season in Spain. His only goal of the competition came back in the first group game against Paraguay, a penalty which put Argentina 2-0 up, a lead they contrived to squander in drawing 2-2. 

Messi and his team mates will be looking to put that result firmly behind them and in theory their firepower should be enough. In practice, though, Tata Martino's men have struggled to find the net, scoring just two more goals in the three subesquent matches after that opening game - a fact which seems absurd when one considers the players in their squad. 

Messi leads the betting at 4/6 (1.67) with bet365 to score at any time, ahead of Sergio Aguero 6/5 (2.20)and Carlos Tevez 5/4 (2.25). While he is odds-on, the price for Messi is still big enough for some punters to take and those thinking that the semi-finals will finally see him spring into life might be tempted by the 7/2 (4.50) for him to score two or more goals. 

Paraguay, for their part, boast some decent attacking players and Ramon Diaz's side are still unbeaten
in the competition. Their shortest priced players to score are Lucas Barrios and Roque Santa Cruz both offered at 4/1 (5.00) to find the back of the net but there may be more value elsewhere. 

Derlis Gonzalez was arguably the most impressive player on the pitch as Paraguay overcame Brazil on penalties in the previous round and the Basel forward scored the goal which took the game to spot kicks. 

He scored three goals in this season's Champions League including a brilliant strike against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu and is offered at 11/2 (6.50) to score against Argentina. 

The problem for La Albirroja is that they are unlikely to have much of the ball against the tournament favourites and, however resilient Paraguay are, it is going to be a big ask for them to score. 

Therefore our money has to go on an Argentine player and we will take Aguero to find the back of the net as he has done in each of the last two meetings between these sides.