Argentina continued their dominant run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a convincing 3-0 victory over Chile at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Friday. Despite the absence of talisman Lionel Messi, who is still recovering from an ankle injury, La Albiceleste showcased their attacking prowess with goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, and Paulo Dybala.
The match kicked off with a special tribute to the recently retired Angel Di María, who received a heartfelt message from Messi himself. The stadium was at 75% capacity due to a sanction imposed by CONMEBOL for racist and discriminatory chanting by Argentina fans in previous matches.
Match Summary
| Score | Goal scorers |
|---|---|
| Argentina 3-0 Chile | Mac Allister, Álvarez, Dybala |
Referee: Jesús Valenzuela (VEN)
Attendance: 48,000 (75% capacity)
Argentina’s victory keeps them at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 18 points, two points ahead of Uruguay. Chile, on the other hand, remain in eighth position with just 5 points from their first seven matches.
Starting Lineups
Argentina (3-5-2):
- E. Martínez (GK)
- Romero, Otamendi, Li. Martínez
- Molina, De Paul, Mac Allister, E. Fernández, N. González
- Álvarez, La. Martínez
Chile (4-4-2):
- Arias (GK)
- Isla, P. Díaz, Maripán, Suazo
- Osorio, M. Núñez, Echeverría, Dávila
- B. Díaz, E. Vargas
Key Highlights
- Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 55th minute with a well-placed shot from outside the box.
- Julián Álvarez doubled Argentina’s lead in the 72nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive mistake.
- Paulo Dybala came off the bench to score Argentina’s third goal in the 85th minute, sealing the victory for the home side.
Argentina’s impressive performance showcased their depth and resilience, even in the absence of Messi. The win solidifies their position as one of the favorites to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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