argentina vs chile
Argentina claimed a 3-0 home win over Chile on Thursday thanks to second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez and Paulo Dybala, to strengthen their grip on top of the South American World Cup qualifying.
The Copa América champions looked dominant and untroubled by the absence of talismans Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, who received a tribute at the Monumental Stadium after his international retirement.
Argentina opened the scoring three minutes after the break, when Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister sent the ball into the net first-time off a cross from Álvarez, who also got on the scoresheet with a long-range effort in the 84th minute.
Substitute Dybala found the net in stoppage time to seal the victory that left the World Cup winners with 18 points, five clear of second-placed Uruguay who host Paraguay on Friday.
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Argentina will play at Colombia in a rematch of the Copa América final on Tuesday, while Chile hosts Bolivia, who beat Venezuela earlier on Thursday.
Argentina avoided a Copa America hangover in their first match since claiming the 2024 trophy, defeating Chile in World Cup qualifying 3-0 Thursday night. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala sealed all three points in an emphatic victory.
Ahead of the contest, La Albiceleste, all the fans in attendance and those around the world watched as Argentina paid tribute and said goodbye to legend Angel Di Maria.
The dynamic winger announced his international retirement after winning Copa, and with his family by his side, he gave an emotional speech in front of a sold-out crowd, with flashlights from cell phones beaming from the stands and cheers echoing from around the ground.
The sentiment set the tone for the match, as La Albiceleste had more to play for than just points in 2026 World Cup qualifying—they owed their friend, teammate, and legend a performance to remember.
After a dynamic and contentious first 45 minutes, the two sides went into halftime scoreless. However, Lionel Scaloni’s side came out of the break with intensity. Just three minutes into the second half, Mac Allister fired home to give them a 1-0 lead off an Alvarez assist.
The story of the final 45 wasn’t the Liverpool midfielder, rather it was Alvarez, who energized the big stage. The Man City striker looked comfortable in a front-two, and his moment arrived in the 84th minute. He received the ball on the top of the box, hit a lovely turn and fired a rocket of an effort, with the ball going bar-down into the back of the net to double their lead late.
A third goal came in stoppage-time, with Roma star Paulo Dybala coming off the bench and launching a a strike into the back of the net.
With the victory, La Albiceleste stay atop the CONMEBOL standings in World Cup Qualifying, with 18 points out of 21. They hold a five-point lead over second place Uruguay, with Colombia trailing La Celeste by one point in third. La Albiceleste travel to Barranquilla, Colombia Tuesday to take on Los Cafeteros.
GOAL rates Argentina’s players from Estadio Mas Monumental.
AFPGoalkeeper & DefenseEmiliano Martinez (8/10): Made an outstanding save in the first half and was a rock when called upon in the late stages. Another top display.Lisandro Martinez (7/10): Was a threat in the attack on set pieces, including one chance on target. A well-rounded performance from the Manchester United defender.Cristian Romero (7/10): composed out of the back.- A few dodgy moments, but he recovered well.Nicolas Otamendi (8/10):A passing clinic from the veteran of the three. Still brilliant 36, completing 96% of his 84 total passes.
AFPMidfieldNahuel Molina (7/10): composed as a wingback, operated the right flank well.Rodrigo De Paul (8/10): Class as always in the middle of the park. Was composed on and off the ball and led as a veteran should with a youthful midfield around him.Alexis Mac Allister (8/10): Sensational in the middle of the pitch and scored the crucial opener. Linked with the striker tandem well.Enzo Fernandez (7/10): - Not his most influential performance, but didn’t put a foot wrong, either.Nico Gonzalez (6/10): Subbed off with an injury minutes into the second half. Employed as a wingback, he kept Chile quiet when called upon but didn’t influence the attack much.
Getty Images SportAttackLautaro Martinez (6/10):Not his best evening. Struggled to find space, but did play a decent decoy to help Mac Allister bag his effort. No shots on the night.Julian Alvarez (9/10):A nice assist on Mac Allister’s opener, but his moment came in the 84th, when he bagged his long-range stunner from 20 yards out. Brilliant showing.
AFPSubs & ManagerGiovani Lo Celso (8/10): Subbed on for an injured Gonzalez early in the second half, bagged an assist on Alvarez’s stunner. Great cameo.Marcos Acuna (N/A): Subbed on with 11 minutes to spare. Helped close out match.Paulo Dybala (8/10): Subbed on in the 79th minute, capitalized on the moment, scoring the third goal. Perfect performance off the bench.Alejandro Garnacho (7/10): Assisted on Dybala’s third, was lively off the bench in his 11 minutes (plus stoppage).Valentin Castellanos (N/A): Subbed on in the 89th.Lionel Scaloni (8/10):- A brilliant second half. Whatever he said at halftime inspired his players, and they turned out for the final 45 as a different team. The attack was blistering, and Alvarez looked the best he’s been in a shirt for La Albiceleste. Should be thrilled.
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