La Albiceleste easily defeated their opponents, with Julian Alvarez earning Man of the Match honours.
Argentina defeated Chile 3-0 in World Cup Qualifying on Thursday night, overcoming a Copa America hangover from their 2024 title victory. Alexis MacAllister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala scored to secure a resounding victory.
Ahead of the match, La Albiceleste, as well as all of the fans in attendance and throughout the world, saw Argentina pay tribute and say farewell to the legendary Angel Di Maria. After winning the Copa, the explosive winger announced his international retirement, and with his family by his side, he delivered an emotional speech in front of a sold-out stadium, with mobile torches burning from the stands and cheers ringing throughout the pitch.
The sentiment set the tone for the match, as La Albiceleste had more at stake than just points in the 2026 World Cup Qualifying; they owed a remarkable performance to their friend, comrade, and legacy.
After a hectic and violent first 45 minutes, the two teams went into halftime scoreless. However, Lionel Scaloni’s team emerged from the break fired up. Three minutes into the second half, Mac Allister scored on an Alvarez feed, giving them a 1-0 lead.
Alvarez, not the Liverpool midfielder, brought the huge stage to life in the final 45 minutes of drama. The Manchester City striker appeared at ease in a front-two role, and his chance came in the 84th minute. He received the ball at the top of the box, made a beautiful move, and fired a rocket of a shot that went bar-down into the back of the net to double their lead late.
Roma’s Paulo Dybala scored a third goal in stoppage time after coming off the bench.
With the win, La Albiceleste maintained its lead in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying rankings, 18 points to 21. They led Uruguay by five points, with Colombia finishing one point behind La Celeste in third place. La Albiceleste will take against Los Cafeteros on Tuesday in Barranquilla, Colombia.
