World Cup qualifying

Argentina shines against Chile even without Messi

Argentina will have no problems against Chile, even without Messi.(Bild: AFP/APA/Luis ROBAYO)

Even without its superstar Lionel Messi, the Argentinian national team has clearly beaten Chile 3:0 in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister scored in front of the home crowd in Buenos Aires on Thursday in the 48th minute after an assist from Rodrigo de Paul. The other goals were scored by striker Julián Álvarez (84') and Paulo Dybala in stoppage time.

Messi did not feature in the Estadio Monumental as he continues to recover from an ankle injury. World champions Argentina clearly lead the South American qualifying table for the finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico with 18 points after seven games. On Tuesday, the Albiceleste will face third-placed Colombia in a re-match of the Copa America final in Barranquilla. Record world champions Brazil are currently only in sixth place and will first play Ecuador on Friday and then Paraguay on Tuesday.

In the second match of the day, Bolivia secured their second full success in the group with a 4-0 home win over Venezuela. The match was the first in the Municipal de El Alto stadium, one of the highest stadiums in the world. Located 4,150 meters above sea level, it is 550 meters higher than the stadium in La Paz, where Bolivia normally plays international matches. Never before has an international competition match been played at such an altitude. Bolivia now face Chile away on Tuesday, while Venezuela host Uruguay.