Even in Brazil's Copa America opener this year - a goalless draw against Costa Rica - Vinicius ended up being substituted halfway through the second half after not managing a single scoring attempt. After that, Brazil manager Dorival Jr changed tack and that decision paid back in a major way.
With Messi sidelined after complaining of a sore right hamstring, and coach Lionel Scaloni serving a one-game suspension, Argentina made nine changes to their starting XI at the Hard Rock Stadium.
For only the second time in history, South America's continental championship is being held at venues across the United States this year, offering a taste of what North America can expect when the 2026 World Cup is staged in the region in two years' time.
Vinicius terrorised Paraguay's defence with his pace and trickery as he scored two goals in an impressive display, a far cry from his performance in Brazil's 0-0 draw with Costa Rica in their opening group stage match, in which he was largely ineffectual.
Brazil's Vinicius Junior scored twice in his side's 4-1 Copa America victory over Paraguay in a Group D clash at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada on Saturday, bouncing back from a lacklustre display in his first game of the tournament.
Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's final Copa America group game against Peru after complaining of muscle tightness, team officials said on Friday.
Colombia marched into the quarterfinals of the Copa America on Friday with a confident 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in Arizona.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and Chile boss Ricardo Gareca were suspended for one match each after their teams' late arrival to the field of play during the Copa America, CONMEBOL said in a statement on Friday.
Argentina and Chile will write a new chapter in their long-standing rivalry on Tuesday's Copa America Group A clash at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the same stage where "La Roja" thwarted the reigning world champions in the continental final in 2016.
Brazil had more than 75% possession in the first half and had a goal disallowed for offside but struggled to crack open the disciplined Costa Rican defence.
Eight years ago, Messi was part of the Argentina team which lost the Copa America final on penalties to Chile at the New Jersey venue -- with the striker missing his team's first effort in the shoot-out.
Colombia's ninth consecutive win maintained an impressive run of 19 victories and five draws since March 2022, with their last defeat a 1-0 loss to Argentina in February 2022.
This year, the Argentina captain gets to celebrate his birthday with the national team in the middle of the Copa America, ahead of their Tuesday Group A fixture against Chile in New Jersey.
"The hierarchy (of Brazil) is respected, but not feared. If you're afraid to play, you don't show up," the coach told a press conference on Sunday.
Brazil open their 2024 Copa America campaign against Costa Rica on Monday in Los Angeles with a whole new look almost from top to bottom, with Real Madrid's rising star Vinicius Jr leading a group that were waiting for an opportunity for a fresh start.
Uruguay's win saw them move level with the United States on three points. The U.S. beat Bolivia 2-0 in the day's other Group C match.
The 62-year-old coach took over the reigns of the 'Selecao' in January with the team having endured a poor start to World Cup qualification in South America.
USA captain Pulisic curled in a superb early goal before teeing up a second for striker Folarin Balogun just before half-time at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington.