Argentina secured a dominant 3-0 victory against Chile in a match held today, Friday, at the « El Monumental » stadium in Buenos Aires, as part of the seventh round of South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring early in the second half (48′), followed by a second goal from striker Julián Álvarez (84′). Substitute Paulo Dybala sealed the win with a third goal in stoppage time (90+1).
Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, missed the match as well as the upcoming game against Colombia in Barranquilla in five days due to an injury. This opened the door for Roma striker Paulo Dybala to be called up.
Argentina was also without another star, Ángel Di María, who announced his international retirement after winning the continental title. Di María was honored before the match and watched his team’s victory from the stands with his family.
With this win, Argentina increased its lead at the top of the group to 18 points from six wins and one loss, paving the way for their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
