Argentina stormed past Chile with a commanding 3-0 win in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers on Thursday. Second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala secured the victory in front of a sold-out home crowd at the Monumental stadium, cementing Argentina’s position at the top of the South American qualifying standings. With 18 points and five clear of second-placed Uruguay, Argentina continues to prove why they are a force to be reckoned with, even without the magic of their captain, Lionel Messi.
Argentina in Control, Even Without Messi
Thursday’s match was a showcase of Argentina’s depth and resilience. Lionel Messi, sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final, was notably absent from the squad. However, the team didn’t falter, proving they can thrive even without their talisman. Coach Lionel Scaloni made strategic changes, and his faith in the squad was rewarded with a stellar performance from players like Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala.
Argentina’s dominance throughout the qualifying campaign has been impressive. They have maintained their unbeaten record, leaving little doubt about their ability to qualify for the World Cup in 2026. Even though Messi’s absence was felt in moments of creativity, the team stepped up collectively, demonstrating that the reigning Copa America champions are more than just a one-man show.
First Half: Frustration for Chile, Control for Argentina
Chile entered the match knowing they needed a strong performance to dent Argentina’s momentum, but they were immediately put on the back foot. The first half saw Argentina dictating the pace, keeping Chile’s defense under constant pressure. However, despite their dominance in possession, Argentina was unable to break the deadlock before halftime. Chile, for their part, had a few sporadic counterattacks, but they struggled to create any meaningful chances.
The lack of goals in the first half could have been a concern for Argentina fans, but there was a palpable sense that it was only a matter of time before their team found the breakthrough.
Second Half: Argentina Turns Up the Heat
Just three minutes into the second half, Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring for Argentina. The Liverpool midfielder made a perfectly timed run into the box to meet a cross from Julian Alvarez, slotting the ball into the bottom corner. Mac Allister’s goal not only lifted the spirits of the team but also ignited the crowd. Argentina’s patience had paid off, and from that point forward, there was no looking back.
Shortly after, Julian Alvarez doubled Argentina’s lead with a stunning long-range effort. The Atletico Madrid forward found space just outside the box and unleashed a powerful shot that left Chile’s goalkeeper helpless. Alvarez’s goal was a statement, showing that Argentina has a new generation of attacking talent ready to take the reins when Messi isn’t on the pitch.
As the match progressed, Argentina remained in control, with Chile unable to mount a significant challenge. The icing on the cake came in stoppage time when substitute Paulo Dybala added a third goal. Dybala, who came on late in the second half, linked up beautifully with Alejandro Garnacho, who provided the assist. The Roma forward calmly finished to seal the victory and send the home crowd into rapturous celebrations.
A Fitting Tribute to Angel Di Maria
While the win was certainly the highlight of the night, there was also an emotional moment at the Monumental stadium as Argentina paid tribute to Angel Di Maria. The veteran winger recently announced his retirement from international football, and the crowd gave him a fitting farewell. Di Maria has been an integral part of Argentina’s success over the years, and his contributions will not be forgotten. His legacy, alongside Messi’s, has left a lasting imprint on Argentine football.
Tactical Masterclass by Scaloni
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, deserves significant praise for his tactical approach to the game. Even without Messi, Scaloni set up his team to dominate possession and exploit Chile’s defensive frailties. His decision to start Alexis Mac Allister in a more advanced role proved to be the key to unlocking Chile’s defense. Meanwhile, Julian Alvarez’s positioning and movement caused constant headaches for Chile’s backline.
Scaloni’s ability to rotate his squad while maintaining a high level of performance speaks volumes about Argentina’s depth. With the World Cup still a few years away, Argentina’s future looks bright, especially with young talents like Garnacho and Alvarez coming through the ranks.
FAQs
The goals were scored by Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala.
Lionel Messi was sidelined due to an ankle injury he sustained during the Copa America final in July.
Angel Di Maria was honored at the Monumental stadium following his retirement from international football. The tribute celebrated his incredible contributions to Argentina over the years.
With this victory, Argentina strengthened their position at the top of the South American qualifying standings with 18 points, making them favorites to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Scaloni’s tactical setup allowed Argentina to control the game from start to finish. His decision to start Mac Allister and Alvarez in advanced roles was key to breaking down Chile’s defense.
Conclusion
Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Chile was a masterclass in control and efficiency. Even without their captain Lionel Messi, the team demonstrated their depth and tactical prowess. With contributions from Mac Allister, Alvarez, and Dybala, Argentina continues to lead the South American qualifying standings and looks well on its way to securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
