As expected, he was the world champion. Argentina was strong without Lionel Messi (Inter Miami).
Argentina led the South American qualifying round. Argentina, ranked first in the FIFA rankings, won 3-0 in the seventh match of the 2026 North-China World Cup South American qualifying round against Chile at Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina on the 6th (Korea time). Argentina, which has won two consecutive games, remained in first place, five points ahead of Uruguay (13 points), which is in second place, with 6 wins and 1 loss and 18 points. 'Defending Champions' Argentina only lost to Uruguay once, winning six games in seven matches, continuing their high run.
Chile, on the other hand, has been in ninth place, suffering from no wins in the last four games, including two consecutive losses. Chile only had one win, two draws and four losses (five points) in seven matches.
Argentina, which won the 2024 Copa America in July and has won three consecutive major tournaments, has returned to the South American qualifiers. This day was a game without Messi 'Ace' and 'Captain'. Messi injured his right ankle after being knocked down by an opponent's tackle in the Copa America final against Colombia. Back on the bench, Messi burst into tears with his face wrapped around him. The swollen ankle was caught on the broadcast screen. Argentina won the championship without Messi.
Messi as well as Angel Di Maria, who announced his retirement, were also worried about a power leak, but Argentina was strong. The ball possession ratio was 65 to 35, the number of shots was 16 to 5, the number of effective shots was 8 to 1, and Argentina pushed Chile unilaterally.
After finishing the first half without a goal, Argentina took the lead with Alexis McAllister's (Laverpool) winning goal in the third minute of the second half. Argentina, which shook Chile's defense with a quick pass play, Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan) spilled Julián Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)'s pass and McAllister finished it. Argentina, which gained momentum, scored an additional goal in the 39th minute of the second half. Álvarez shook Chile's net with a powerful mid-range shot from outside the penalty box. In extra time, Paulo Dybala (AS Roma) scored a goal to seal the game.
Argentina will play Colombia in its eighth away match in the South American qualifying round on the 11th. This game is drawing attention as a return match two months after winning the Copa America final. Messi is expected to return around October. Vine Sports is expected to return to the game against Inter Miami-Philadelphia Union on the 14th. It is highly likely that he will return to the national team in October in the ninth or 10th round of the South American qualifying round.
Meanwhile, Bolivia won a 4-0 victory at home in Game 7 of the South American qualifying round against Venezuela. Bolivia enjoyed a home advantage in the match at the Munisipal de El Alto Stadium in El Alto, Bolivia, located 4150 meters above sea level. Bolivia, which played at Hernando Ciles Stadium, 3637 meters above sea level, won the game and moved to a higher ground stadium. Bolivia, which won its second preliminary match, rose to seventh place with six points (2 wins and five losses). Venezuela remained in fourth place.
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
