The result left the group goalless after a similar result in holders Brazil's opening match against Venezuela in La Plata.

Argentine-born Elizaga dived to push away Roque Santa Cruz's header from Marcelo Estigarribia's left cross midway through the second half.

Midfielder Edgar Barreto had an excellent chance for Paraguay early in the match right in front of goal from another left cross by the dangerous Estigarribia but Elizaga pushed his close-range shot over the bar.

Elizaga then saved at the base of the post from midfielder Nestor Ortigoza before Ecuadro carved out their first good chance close to the half hour.

Striker Christian Benitez jinked his way past several defenders into the box and looked set to beat Justo Villar but the Paraguay keeper got his foot to the ball and deflected it.

There were also near misses for Ecuador from midfielders Segundo Castillo and Walter Ayovi and striker Felipe Caicedo.

Meanwhile, head of Argentina's Football Association (AFA), Julio Grondona, on Sunday praised striker Lionel Messi, but criticized his teammates in the wake of their disappointing opening Copa America draw with Bolivia.

Messi has often been criticized in his homeland for failing to show his superlative Barcelona form in the national side and the media even question his loyalty to a country, which he left for Catalonia as a young teen.

But Grondona told Radio Del Plata: "Messi always plays well, never badly - which is what the others around him were doing." Coach Sergio Batista had sent out an attacking side to beat the Bolivians but Messi and strike partner Carlos Tevez drew a blank and it was left to sub Sergio Aguero to rescue a point at La Plata.

For Grondona, Messi was forced to forage too deep.

"As the ball did not get through to Messi he had to drop back to pick it up," Grondona complained.

But he also noted that it is "difficult to start off against a team which has nothing to lose." Now Argentina have to chase down early Group A leaders Colombia, whom they meet Wednesday in Santa Fe before going up against special guests Costa Rica.